A York business that has traded for nine years and survived the pandemic is closing its doors for good.
Commuter Barbers on George Hudson Street will shut next Thursday (31 August). A combination of the cost of living crisis and a change in work patterns has forced it out of business.
Opening in 2014, Commuter Barbers got its name from being close to the station and part of a busy route into the city.
Tracey Cook, owner of Commuter Barbers, said: “I noticed there was this huge gap in the market around this area for a men’s barbers, with large offices like the City of York Council West Offices, Amey and Aviva nearby.
“People quickly started to come as it was convenient for them to pop in on their lunch or after work before travelling home.”
But a change in work patterns which saw a rise in remote working after the pandemic started to have an impact.
“After Covid, I thought we’d slowly begin to pick up and we did at first, but people aren’t going into the office every day like they did before.
“Lots of offices around us, where our clients worked, have started offering remote or hybrid working, meaning our clients are coming into York less often.”
She added: “I’m sad to be leaving my shop and my clients who have visited be over the last nine years.
“However, I’m not hanging up the scissors just yet and I’m excited about my new chapter.”
She will be cutting hair every Wednesday at Harry Nicholas Hairdressing on Colliergate from 6 September. Book in advance by calling 01904 610 000 and asking for Tracey.
“I’m also working from Goulds Barbers at Tesco Extra at Clifton Moor where bookings can be made online,” Tracey added.
“More than anything, I just want to say thank you to everyone who visited me over the past nine years. I’ve had more support than I ever imagined, and I hope to see many of you again in the future.”
Number 27 Goodramgate is now available to let from Barry Crux at £14,000 per year.