Uptown barber moves as business picks up

If you're looking for a nugget of good economic news among the dismal drumbeat of double dips, debt ceilings and diminished job numbers, here you go: Russ Gibson says people are getting their hair cut again.

Not that they stopped. But during downturn, Gibson, owner of City Barbers at Uptown, says they cut back. "Guys just stretched their haircuts out," he said. "Instead of every two weeks, they were doing every four weeks or more."

The shop, which was in the Ivey 's building uptown, got much of its revenue from businessmen dropping in for an $18 trim. Things have noticeably rebounded, Gibson said. "We're back in full swing."

With many of his customers back to getting their locks trimmed twice a month, Gibson said he's moving the business to Founder's Hall, at the Bank of America building. The new shop will still have four barbers, and Gibson said he's outfitted it with 100-year-old barber's chairs for a more classic look.

The price of a haircut will go up $3, to $21. The new barber shop will be open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.