Basingstoke's barbers struggling amid influx of new shops

Saber Hamad, owner of House of Handsome barbershop in Market Place, believes the rise in barbershops has reached a tipping point, leaving existing businesses struggling to survive.

Mr Hamad, whose shop has been operating since 2016, said that when he first set up in Basingstoke, there was a clear need for more barber services.  However, with the recent influx, the market has become oversaturated.

“When we started here, there were only three barbershops in this area including us, and there was a real need," he said.

Saber Hamad of House of Handsome (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Festival Place welcomes new independent Turkish barber shop

"I heard two more barber shops are opening soon here. That will take the total number around to 10 in walking distance. It doesn’t make sense. People are opening more and more, but where’s the need? It’s all about balance."

Mr Hamad also expressed frustration with rising costs, saying that his landlord has going to raise the rent from £24,000 to £32,000.

“Before 2020, we had customers queuing for an hour. Now, if they see even one person waiting, they’ll go somewhere else,” he said.

"I’m just fighting to pay my mortgage for my home, which also doubled last year."

He feels the unchecked opening of new shops is damaging the town's image, with many barbershops now sitting empty.

"What does it say about the state of the town?" he asked.

"People will think we’re crazy. There’s no need for all these shops."

The surge in barbershops has led to widespread frustration, with more residents blaming the trend on foreign shop owners.

But Mr Hamad was quick to point out that the real issue lies with the system that allows the oversupply.

“People will blame Turkish or foreign barbers, but the landlords and council officers who approve these shops are English. We need a rule, like keeping new shops at least 100m apart on public land. Right now, it’s a free-for-all,” he added.

Another barbershop owner, Hasan Ipek of Golden Scissors, shared similar concerns.

"We are struggling. During the weekdays, we barely have any customers. It's 12pm today, and I have four staff members but only one customer. We’re only busy on weekends," Mr Ipek said.

He said that even though the shops are open, the profits are disappearing into rent and business taxes.

Hasan Ipek of Golden Scissors (Image: Newsquest)

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"Soon, barbers will start reducing prices, but then it would be impossible to cover our costs," he said.

"The council needs to step in and do something about it. I don't understand why they allow more barbershops to open without thinking about the consequences."

Both barbers agree that the growing number of shops is unsustainable and are calling for the local council to introduce regulations to prevent further overcrowding in the market.