Still makes me sad

[jesseix]

I was in Pasadena yesterday afternoon and walked by the space where Old Town Shaving used to be. The space is still empty, makes it even more of a bummer that they decided to close when they did. It was a great shop and they were really cool people

 

[DesertIguana]

Well sometimes rent is business killer, or area becomes unsafe to go too.

Also many B n M’s can’t compete with online prices.

Amazon is killing off smash business, they sell almost everything.

 

[Alum Ladd]

I was in Pasadena yesterday afternoon and walked by the space where Old Town Shaving used to be. The space is still empty, makes it even more of a bummer that they decided to close when they did. It was a great shop and they were really cool people

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It's always sad to see cool and good places gone. It dimishes one's valued personal space, places in the real world. I take it quite personally too.

What range of gear did they used to offer?

 

[BanjoCowboyMartaTobes]

I went to school near there and remember the Crown City Brewery which I was told shut down 15 or so years ago. Yep, it’s sad loosing cool businesses.

 

[jesseix]

It's always sad to see cool and good places gone. It dimishes one's valued personal space, places in the real world. I take it quite personally too.

What range of gear did they used to offer?

They had a full range, everything from inexpensive starter-type of gear to nice brushes like M&F, Simpson, Rooney. They hosted at least one Big Shave West event there which was fun. It was a good-sized space.
I couldn't find a box once for one of my brushes (either a Simpson or a Rooney) and I called over to see if they might have an extra that I could buy, Damon just said Yeah come on by and I'll grab one for you, no charge. Great place like that.

 

[sarimento1]

indeed, sad. they had great customer service as well as good product inventory.
i think they sold me a couple nice simpson brushes.
perhaps they were a victim of several factors...yes, AMZN, also Covid, also declining # of guys shaving, perhaps rent and traffic (i can't speak to that area however).

 

[jesseix]

Well sometimes rent is business killer, or area becomes unsafe to go too.

Also many B n M’s can’t compete with online prices.

Amazon is killing off smash business, they sell almost everything.

indeed, sad. they had great customer service as well as good product inventory.
i think they sold me a couple nice simpson brushes.
perhaps they were a victim of several factors...yes, AMZN, also Covid, also declining # of guys shaving, perhaps rent and traffic (i can't speak to that area however).

When they closed (in 2018, so it was pre-Covid) it was presented as the owner Damon retiring. I think they actually owned (maybe still own?) the building, so I do think it was more just about him deciding not to do it anymore and to go enjoy retirement. Which I definitely can't argue with him on!

 

[Deano]

A barber that had been around since the late '60's closed up around a year ago. He cut hair on my grandpa, dad, myself and some of my boys. He was an icon. Very few real barbershops around anymore. Bought my first Osage Rub from him.

 

[nemo]

A barber that had been around since the late '60's closed up around a year ago. He cut hair on my grandpa, dad, myself and some of my boys. He was an icon. Very few real barbershops around anymore. Bought my first Osage Rub from him.

Your barber ... see that's what always gets me, the excellent services disappearing. Retailers, yeah but you can usually still find the products needed, although when a local craftsman goes away we really lose. My barber has retired, a good cobbler is very difficult to find in my area, the machinist I used for years passed away recently. Now that's sad stuff in my book.

 

[DesertIguana]

We have two Wet Shave businesses in Phoenix. Both are holding their own.

 

[gpjoe]

Your barber ... see that's what always gets me, the excellent services disappearing. Retailers, yeah but you can usually still find the products needed, although when a local craftsman goes away we really lose. My barber has retired, a good cobbler is very difficult to find in my area, the machinist I used for years passed away recently. Now that's sad stuff in my book.

Yep. I recall buying quality shoes and having them re-soled time and again. Now, I wouldn't know where to go for such service...we've become a "throw-away" culture. It is sad.

 

[DesertIguana]

Yep. I recall buying quality shoes and having them re-soled time and again. Now, I wouldn't know where to go for such service...we've become a "throw-away" culture. It is sad.

I recall that also, and wearing a suit, or sports coat, tie and dress pant for work. Today you seldom see people in except Morticians dressing up everyday. Casual Fridays, is now rule of thumb. Or working at home.

 

[Mike M]

I recall that also, and wearing a suit, or sports coat, tie and dress pant for work. Today you seldom see people in except Morticians dressing up everyday. Casual Fridays, is now rule of thumb. Or working at home.

People wearing "dress pyjamas" out in public signalled the death of proper dress codes. These days people look like they've been fired from a cannon through a charity shop (goodwill store).

 

[DesertIguana]

People wearing "dress pyjamas" out in public signalled the death of proper dress codes. These days people look like they've been fired from a cannon through a charity shop (goodwill store).

I see people in PJ Bottom in store, they look like they forgot they were living home to shop.

 

[Frito Ray]

I remember being shocked about fifteen years ago seeing people eating breakfast in a hotel dining room in their PJ’s…I’m less shocked now, but still just as disapointed.

 

[Flanders]

For some of us younger folks, we completely missed out on the experience of buying shaving products in person from a brick and mortar. This is something I had looked forward to; it's a different experience than searching all the online shops for a specific product. You kind of walk in accepting that you may not get what you thought you wanted, but instead leave with a nice memory and a more personal experience. I would probably happily use the commercial products instead of artisan ones if it meant that I could support a local business, but I already support a local soaper(that is well known). The experience is different and not for the better with these stupid releases. I would like something in between mass produced resale and online only, probably like Pasteur. Thanks for posting even though it's sad news.

 

[Deano]

People wearing "dress pyjamas" out in public signalled the death of proper dress codes. These days people look like they've been fired from a cannon through a charity shop (goodwill store).

Was in for an oil change yesterday and saw a "man" wearing what I wouldn't wear to bed. Pajamas I guess.

 

[Rusty Blade]

This is why it's so important to buy local and support local businesses. I know it is so easy and convenient to buy online, but someday soon all the local shops will be closed and all we will see on our streets will be delivery trucks.

 

[Tomo]

This is why it's so important to buy local and support local businesses. I know it is so easy and convenient to buy online, but someday soon all the local shops will be closed and all we will see on our streets will be delivery trucks.

I totally agree. Unfortunately many shops are not doing themselves any favours. The last three times I went to the bike shop they didn’t have the most basic items. They told me that they could order it in and let me know when it arrives. I can order it myself and I don’t need to drive to the shop twice. If I go to the shop it’s because I want it now. It was the same at the one barber in town that stocks decent shaving products. No one wants to carry stock anymore. It defeats the point of going to the shops.

 

[Rusty Blade]

I totally agree. Unfortunately many shops are not doing themselves any favours. The last three times I went to the bike shop they didn’t have the most basic items. They told me that they could order it in and let me know when it arrives. I can order it myself and I don’t need to drive to the shop twice. If I go to the shop it’s because I want it now. It was the same at the one barber in town that stocks decent shaving products. No one wants to carry stock anymore. It defeats the point of going to the shops.

I agree. This new online shopping environment creates real challenges for bricks and mortar shops. They have to meet new demands if they want to remain competitive. Not easy.