Floyd’s Barbershop closed its doors Saturday, but that doesn’t mean students won’t be able to get the barbershop experience in College Park anymore.
Starting on May 1, Wynn Fashion Culture and Hair Studio will be opening in College Park where Floyd’s used to be. The barbershop and salon will retain most of the staff students were familiar with from Floyd’s, with a few additions, according to incoming manager Eric Webber. The environment will largely stay the same, with laptops, colorful photos and big screen TVs to entertain customers while they wait.
Owner Marty Wynn said he is excited to come to College Park and give back to the community, and is confident his business will have some staying power.
He said his business plan started with negotiating a strong lease but will be supplemented by involvement in the community.
“I’ve always thought that was a great location,” Wynn said of his new storefront on Route 1, tucked between Big Plant Comics and Kiyoko Express.
But old-fashioned hair cutting isn’t all Wynn wants to bring to his new store. Among some of the new owner’s more outlandish ideas are an upscale twist on Friday nights and inviting local celebrities to the shop.
Although the plans aren’t set in stone, Wynn said he would like to add hors d’oeuvres, wine and champagne for Friday nights “to take the chill off” as part of his plan to create top-of-the-line customer service. Students will also get a 10 percent off with their student IDs. Wynn added that he expects some local celebrities, such as former Terps Steve Francis and Juan Dixon, to make appearances.
Wynn’s studio will replace Floyd’s, which had been in College Park for five years before closing Saturday. Owner Anne O’Brien, who will be moving the business to Crofton, said it’s hard to go, but it was the right decision for her business.
“This is sad,” she said. “It’s hard to change.”
O’Brien said the small chain started when her brothers, who traveled often for business, grew tired of not finding a “middle ground” place to get a haircut. Either the places were too nice and expensive, or not nice enough.
When Floyd’s came to College Park, O’Brien was excited to host any and all community members — students and non-students alike — even if they just wanted to come in and enjoy the environment and not get a haircut. On their first day of business, Floyd’s stylists shaped up a 3-year-old and gave a 93-year-old a trim. On their last day, it was no different — students and College Park locals filled the barber chairs as O’Brien made plans to shutter the shop.
In the end, it was the transient nature of their consumers in College Park that made it tough on O’Brien and Floyd’s. With students leaving for winter and summer breaks, O’Brien said her staff often felt discouraged in the off-season.
“To build on that kind of energy is hard,” she said.
But Wynn remains optimistic about his chances in a college town.
“I’m very ecstatic about what this business can bring to the community,” he said.
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