Sports-Themed Salon Hits Home Run in Gardens

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL (Wednesday, August 31, 2005) - Sport Clips Haircuts is considered the Starbucks of hair salons in Texas, the franchise's home state.

On Northlake Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens, it's more like a fast-food drive-through.

But in the three months since Gwen Jacobson opened the first Sport Clips store in Palm Beach County - there are more than two dozen throughout Florida - men and boys have flocked to the sports- themed salon that sits just around the corner from Home Depot.

"It's really caught on," Jacobson, a Jupiter resident, said of her high-concept salon, which exclusively targets men and boys. "It really is an unfilled market. Men are just not served right now."

At Sport Clips, however, they're treated like kings.

The Georgetown, Texas, based company, with more than 260 franchises throughout the country and dozens more set to open by the end of the year, strives to provide a comfortable hair cut experience for men and boys in a sports-themed environment.

At the Palm Beach Gardens location, a big-screen television tuned to ESPN sits in the waiting area along with sports equipment for sale. Sports magazines are stacked neatly beneath the TV, while the checkout area is housed in a makeshift batting cage.

Along the walls are autographed photos of sports legends such as Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino and boxer Joe Frazier, framed football jerseys, and sports equipment such as hockey pads, catchers' masks and tennis rackets.

The baseball diamond-shaped styling area - complete with green floor - includes sports-themed trash cans, team pennants and a miniature TV at each station.

"When they're here, we don't face them to the mirror," Jacobson said of her clients, who are eager to catch the latest sports news while getting their locks clipped. "We always face them to the TV."

When getting a massage or steamed towel treatment, they relax in the darkened "showers" area at the back of the store.

As part of Sport Clips' M.V.P. package ($20), clients get a haircut, massaging shampoo, steamed towel facial massage, leave-in conditioner and shoulder and neck massage.

Customers also can opt for the Triple Play (haircut, shampoo and steamed towel facial massage, $18), the Varsity (haircut, $15) and Jr. Varsity (boys haircut, $12).

"The guys come in here, and they're like, 'This is so cool,'" said Jacobson, who plans to open two more Sport Clips franchises in Palm Beach County within the next year. "It's (clients' reactions) been very positive. They love the hot towel treatment. We can get them in and out, because we just do the cuts."

Unlike most other salons, Sport Clips does not provide perms, color treatment or any other service that requires chemicals.

Other male-friendly innovations include larger shampoo bowls and reclining chairs designed with a taller frame in mind.

"(Guys) like coming in here," Jacobson said. "There are no girls getting their hair done."

Jodie Wagner is a sports writer for Neighborhood Post. She can be reached at (561) 820-4537. Faxes can be sent to (561) 837-8320.

(C) 2005 The Palm Beach Post. via ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved

About Sport Clips

The Georgetown, TX-based enterprise currently has 281 stores in 26 states. Targeting men and boys, Sport Clips operators provide high quality haircuts in a fun sports environment, complete with TV’s at every stylist’s station tuned to sports. Every Sport Clips has “guy smart” stylists who focus on providing the highest level of service to every client.

To learn more about Sport Clips or to find a location nearest you, please visit www.SportClips.com.

For More Infromation Please contact:
Beth Boecker
Phone: (512) 869-1201
Email: Beth.Boecker@SportClips.com

View all Sport Clips Press Releases

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