The concept of a subscription-based barbershop is modeled on NetFlix, according to co-owner Josh Thorsvik, who explains it works because it’s something people “want more of.” In fact, it was the business model itself that came first, and then “we considered what types of business would fit.” Thorsvik and Jacob Meltzer, already business partners with a Liberty Tax franchise, decided haircuts was the answer, and focused on men because it is a demographic “we could understand.”
Keep It Cut offers different levels of subscription, from haircuts only to haircuts and wash and grooming. Clients can come in as frequently as they wish for the monthly fee, says Thorsvik, sharing that one client comes in every four days. “People can come in last-minute for a date, holiday picture, or if the boss is coming to town.”
Thorsvik and Meltzer opened shop this past September, and gave free haircuts that month to get people to try it. “We had 100 people sign up who had never heard of us; who just came in off the street,” Thorsvik relates. “That was encouraging. This was one of those things that, on paper, sounded great, but you never know how it’ll be received.”
Finding the right location was crucial. Says Thorsvik, “There’s not a tax place on every corner, but there are barbershops all over town.” The shopping center at Indian School Road and 28th Street appealed because they are promoting themselves as a local business and the Arcadia area is one they had identified as supportive of local enterprises.
