BARBERS BOOM . . . Lauren Frainey’s Room 33 is the latest addition to the hairdressers and barbers that fill the centre of Annan. Pictured, left to right: Lauren Frainey, Joanne Little and Zoe McCormick
The market town has a population of about 9000, but has seen an already healthy number of hairdressers and barbers increase in recent months.
Room 33 is one of two new hair salons to open in town, and owner Lauren Frainey, 26, said: “There’s a need for it, and everyone’s surviving.”
Previously working in Carlisle, and with her other hairdressers having worked in Annan, Lauren said: “I just wanted to open a Carlisle-style salon in Annan—a bit upmarket. We’re thriving at the moment.”
Next month Memet Aydemir will move to the town to open a traditional Turkish barbers, offering services including open razor shaving.
The 27-year-old said: “I didn’t know there were so many barbers here. I’m surprised. I think some will have to go soon.”
Mr Aydemir currently lives in Larkhall, but is planning to live above the High Street premises formerly occupied by Annan Properties.
He said: “I arranged my time to find my shop, and eventually I came across Annan and this shop.”
Bringing his equipment and supplies over from Turkey, he said: “I believe I will do very well.”
Two years ago a survey revealed a national shortage of hairdressers. The industry was revealed to have an annual turnover of £5 billion, employing 245,000 — but with 13,400 vacancies waiting to be filled.
Chairman of Annan Regeneration Steering Group Councillor Sean Marshall said: “Whilst Annan, like every other high street in the country, is experiencing shops and businesses closing down, it is very encouraging that unlike similar high streets these empty shops do not remain empty for long in Annan and there always appears to be new businesses willing and able to fill these vacant premises.
“I am sure that any new business assess the competition before taking the commercial decision to locate and offer a similar service on the High Street.”
