Today’s Business –SportClips Haircuts

Sport Clips Storefront just south of Central Market
copyright, Marc Weinberg

Text and photography by Marc Weinberg

The latest addition to Shoreline’s list of retail establishments is Sport Clips Haircuts, 15407 Westminster Way N, just off Aurora Ave North and next to Central Market. The franchise boasts 1000 stores nationally. This shop opened March 22 and some residents (men only) were notified with a mailer offering an opportunity to stop in for a free haircut. If you haven’t received your advertisement yet, watch your mail. I contacted Wendy Liu, the owner and suggested that we meet so I could learn about the business. I fully expected to be greeted by an experienced hair stylist who probably decided it was time to strike out on her own. Well, I was treated to a big surprise! 

Tundra making a precision cut on Joe
copyright Marc Weinberg

Wendy is enrolled in Seattle University’s Graduate School of Business with some courses yet to be finished before getting her master’s degree. OK, but what about her ‘hair styling’ experience? Sorry, she doesn’t have any! Wendy is, in the truest sense, an ‘entrepreneur’ who, with the help and guidance of one of her professors, researched business opportunities with the goal of becoming an ‘investor/owner’ in her own business. After studying several possibilities that met her criteria, she selected Sport Clips Haircuts.

Nikol at work on Steve, copyright, Marc Weinberg

With the franchise in hand she advertised for the experts to operate the shop where you will now find Nikol as the general manager and stylist. The team is comprised of seven additional experienced stylists who are there to meet and massage, shampoo and cut, and give us guys what they call a precision haircut. The MVP Experience includes the cut, a steamed towel, massaging shampoo and an invigorating scalp treatment too. All this is included in a 25-30 minute visit and the charge is a reasonable $24.00. And yes, there is a discount for oldsters like me that they humorously call “60 & wiser.” Like the MVP, Sport Clips has named other treatments with appropriate sports names like ‘triple play’ and a series called ‘extra innings.’  While the haircut and treatments are underway the clients can watch and listen to large format TV sports programs throughout the shop.

Joe getting his shampoo.scalp massage, steam towel
all while enjoying the massage chair too. copyright Marc Weinberg

Sport Clips features Paul Mitchell Tea Tree products. To get your MVP or other treatment simply show up …. That’s right, no appointment necessary – just come in!  There are no appointments. Hours are M-F 10-8, Sat 9-6, and Sunday 11-5. Be assured, this is not your dad’s ‘barber shop.’ To sum it up … their advertising says “It’s good to be a Guy!”… sports on TV -- Guy smart Stylists -- Open every day -- No appointment.

Wendy, Nikol, and the team believe in being a part of the Shoreline community and are currently contributing to and promoting ‘Dollars for Scholars’ which provides scholarships to high school students. They are also supporting the Richmond Beach Little League, and Shoreline Community College Athletics.

Joanne listened to Kelton while he described the result he wanted
copyright Marc Weinberg

Men -- this is an opportunity to try something new, just for us. I’m sorry ladies, but this shop is dedicated to ‘men and boys only’.  For the salon treatment without sharing the fragrances that dominate women’s styling places or those that cater to both men and women, this could be it.  I think you’ll love the massage chairs in the shampoo area which might turn into your favorite ‘man cave’ experience.  When you walk in be sure to tell Nikol and her team that you heard about them in the Shoreline Area News.

For more information go to their Facebook page, Twitter feed, or the internet.

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