Does Being on the High Street Really Matter for a Barber?

Ask anyone where a barber should open and they'll say the same thing:

"On the high street, obviously."

But here's the question most barbers skip:

Does the high street actually make you more money — or just cost you more rent?

Let's break it down.

What the high street actually gives you

One word: walk-ins.

People pass your door. They see the pole. They think, "I'll jump in."

That's decent if you rely on walk-ins, don't have a solid booking system, or you're new and need visibility fast.

High streets also give a bit of instant trust — especially with tourists, students, office workers, and people new to the area.

If someone doesn't know you, a busy street does some of the convincing for you.

The part no one talks about: the cost

High street rent doesn't mess about. 💈

You're paying more for rent, business rates, longer opening hours, and you've got competition right next door.

It's not just theory either — small business owners on UK forums say rents on high streets can be so high that most retail businesses struggle to break even. One Reddit thread on r/UKJobs has people talking about shops paying £1,200/week even in smaller towns, wondering how anyone survives with those overheads.

Here's the bit that stings:

Walk-ins are unpredictable. Rent isn't.

A quiet week doesn't get discounted. A rainy month doesn't lower your bills.

If your chairs aren't full, the location won't save you.

Being off the high street isn't a disadvantage anymore

This is where things have changed.

The traditional high street is struggling across the UK — e-commerce, high operating costs, and a shift toward experience-based spending have all taken their toll. Foot traffic isn't what it used to be.

Most clients don't walk past and decide anymore. They search.

They type "barber near me" and look at reviews, photos, price, availability, and distance.

They don't care if you're on the high street or down a side road — as long as you're easy to find, easy to book, and actually good.

Plenty of fully booked shops are tucked away on residential streets, corners, small parades, even industrial estates.

They survive on regulars, not footfall.

The real trade-off

High street buys attention.

Off-high-street rewards quality.

If you're bang average, a high street can carry you. If you're good, location matters a lot less.

When a high street does make sense

A high street can be worth it if walk-ins are a big part of your income, you're in a busy commuter or student area, you're running volume with chairs full all day, or marketing isn't your strong point.

In those cases, the extra rent can pay for itself.

When it becomes a trap

Let's be honest — high street locations become a problem when you're appointment-only, you already have regulars, rent eats more than 15–20% of your turnover, or you're surrounded by other barbers fighting for the same walk-ins.

That's when shops say:

"We're busy… but there's no money left."

So does the high street really matter?

Only if walk-ins pay your bills.

If your shop is quiet midweek, being on the high street won't fix that. If your clients already book you, a cheaper location can actually make you more money.

High street shouldn't be the goal.

Profit should be. 💯

The smarter way to think about location

Instead of asking "Is this on the high street?" ask yourself:

How many barbers are nearby? How much competition is within walking distance? How dependent would I be on walk-ins? Does the rent match the demand?

That's where proper location decisions are made.

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