Although the Cambridge market in off centre shops has slowed down generally, there is a niche in the market that seems to be particularly buoyant – Turkish barbers.

According to Robinson Layer director, Jonathan Lager, virtually every vacant shop he markets attracts two or even three enquiries from Turkish barbers. He said: “We let one in Milton Road recently and, on a property in Cherry Hinton, I am negotiating with another. Apparently this phenomenon is sweeping the country. 

“I understand that some of this growth is thanks to the global cultural resurgence around barbering and grooming products. According to the organisation, the Business of Fashion, Turkish barbers were the fastest growing retail category in the UK in 2018, with 813 units opening in 12 months according to a report released by the Local Data Company with those numbers are already being outstripped this year.

“Clearly, Cambridge has had a traditional of Italian barbers for many years, but this growth in Turkish barbering is something else.

“Business of Fashion reported that fashion designer Ted Baker took a trip to Istanbul a decade ago and was so enamoured by his traditional shave that he decided to recreate the experience in London. Today, Ted’s Grooming Room is a successful chain of 16 outlets, offering Turkish shaves across the capital’s most expensive boroughs.

 “It seems that treatments include a bespoke haircut, expert cut-throat shave or beard design, rounded off with ear flaming as required. Gents will also receive a hot-towel treatment and massage. And, surprisingly brow threading is an additional service option at £14.00. Makes a change from short, back and sides and something for the weekend!”

 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT JONATHAN LAGER AT ROBINSON LAYER ON 01223 346193 OR EMAIL jcsl@robinsonlayer.co.uk.