Don’t be surprised if you didn’t notice a new shop in downtown Mystic. While Wayne’s Barber Shop opened just three weeks ago it fits in so well it’s easy to forget it hasn’t always been around.
With bright red walls, one main barbering chair and club chairs for those waiting, Wayne’s Barber Shop melds the feel of a historic shop with the comfort of the present day.
And the shop, owned by local Wayne Richard, isn’t so much new as it is a return. Three years ago Richard, who also owns Wayne’s Barber Shop in the Groton Shoppers Plaza, closed his Mystic shop on Holmes Street. Lack of foot traffic and slow business forced him to leave downtown Mystic to concentrate just on his Groton location, but he always dreamed of a place in Mystic.
“I am excited to, once again, be a part of this historic town, which centers around individual business owners supporting each other,” Richard said.
The place at 3 Pearl Street is open Tuesday through Saturday, and offers same day appointments in addition to traditional walk-in business. It’s $16 for a cut and $13 for a senior cut. Richard said he is hoping to partner with some of the local businesses such as the Mystic Florist and Harp & Hound to offer some sort of joint services discounts.
“This is a great spot,” Richard said. “It just came to us and felt like it was meant to be.”
With many downtown businesses still suffering from the streetscape project and the poor economy, Richard said he was ready for the challenge of expanding.
"Everyone eventually needs a haircut, sometimes there is just a bit of a lull," Richard said.
With an established Groton client base Richard said he is already starting to get new customers in Mystic.
“A couple came by the other day and said this is exactly what this place needs,” Richard said.
Hopefully, a lot of people feel the same.
Wayne’s Barber Shop
3 Pearl Street
Mystic, Conn. 06355
860-245-5245
