Yellowknife (Sep 08/04) - Business is clipping along at Gary's Barbershop after it moved to a more spacious location in Centre Square Mall.

The barbershop, which has been in business in Yellowknife in one form or another since 1947, moved into the old Willow Bay location one week ago.

Sidoni Frano sits in one of the older barbershop chairs in Gary's Barbershop. The new location is just a hop, skip and a jump from the old one. While still in the Centre Square Mall, the new location is roomier and a little brighter with an open space concept that is in keeping with the masculine style of a barbershop. - Stephan Burnett/NNSL photo

"Everyone is passing out. This open concept has been crazy," said owner Sidoni Frano of the wide open space and windows, which create a higher visibility for the shop.

The shop now has seven barbers; five full-time and two part-time.

"I first arrived in Yellowknife to work for a small barbershop in the old Yellowknife Inn complex," said Frano, who moved here in 1987.

Then, the shop was operated by Gary Apted. After working with Apted for five years, Frano was offered a partnership. After another four years of working together, Apted decided to retire and sell the business to Frano.

Many of Apted's customers are still loyal to the shop.

"That's one of the reasons why I decided to move. I didn't like seeing some of my customers struggling to get up the stairs," she said.

A native Slovak, Frano says operating her own business has been a very rewarding experience.

"It also takes a lot of hard work and determination in opening and running a successful business. Ask any business individual and they will tell you that it isn't easy," she said.

"There are good times and bad times. How you handle the bad times will determine the success of your business."

Message from the south

Frano is the type of person who keeps up with old friends. When she found out she was to be interviewed for moving the business, she called Apted.

"Tell them I miss them," said Apted on the phone. The old owner retired to British Columbia.

"He does a little cutting, does a little golfing and drinks a little beer," Frano said giggling. "That was his dream."

Frano's husband Stan did most of the work on the new location. The renovation to the store didn't cost too much money because of the deals they found.

"The fluorescent lighting is new and bright and it also keeps the costs down," Stan said.

The largest barbershop in Yellowknife, Gary's is sticking to the old tradition, said barber Irene Theriault.

"A barbershop is so different to work in. The atmosphere is more relaxed," said Theriault.

Clients can still walk in and get a haircut without an appointment.