Moving up?

Gregory Smith, neighborhood "bon vivant" and the owner of Coiffures by Shawn at 312 N. Euclid, emailed that he is moving his hair salon upstairs to 312 A N. Euclid. Gregory has been "primping and poufing" neighborhood regulars at the same location for over 43 years -- one of the oldest businesses in the CWE. The prospect of a substantial rent increase made the move a necessity.

Meanwhile, Sub-Zero is expanding again, this time into the salon space. On one hand it's a good thing that Sub-Zero is doing so well that it needs the additional space. And what I am about to say is not a criticism of Sub-Zero---Derek Gamlin is wonderful, and I love their hamburgers---but it's becoming increasingly obvious that bars and restaurants are just about the only businesses that can afford the rents in the CWE, not small shops that many residents, and I would bet visitors, would rather see more of. When I photographed Coiffures by Shawn the other day, it appeared that Sub-Zero's staff had already taken ownership of the sidewalk in front of Coiffures by Shawn. I am not alone in grousing about the proprietary sidewalk grab by the restaurants throughout the CWE, but nothing seems to change.

Gregory Smith just emailed this morning to say that Sub-Zero is letting the salon keep its shop windows so they can still create interesting displays and promote their Beauty Emporium business. While the prospect of climbing a flight of stairs for a haircut and my favorite brand of shampoo is not a big deal (see earlier post on the salon's Beauty Emporium here), neighborhood residents will miss signs of life before dusk when Sub-Zero starts to fill up.

 

Comments

[Gregory Smith]

Sub Zero is letting us keep our window so can do our displays and promote the retail store The Hair Emporium. That may be helpful.

[mary]

I agree, Nicki--- remember when Tricia Woo and Ferrario's and other great shops were here? We'd love to open a shop but the rents are too high to support independent stores. That's why a chain like Massage Luxe is going in below us. Not that we're complaining about that one!

[connie]

Now let's not be the "old folks" complaining about the old days......but Gosh, Tricia Woo and Ferrario"s were the best stores St. Louis ever had!
I am really tired of the outdoor sidewalk messes that accompany these establishments. I can't even walk by it is all so crowded and dirty. (I, too, like Sub Zero, not so much the others on the three corners) I also wish there were more fun and interesting places to explore along our streets. I think the economy is playing a big part in all of this. I agree with Mary...also no one can afford to run/have a store when no one will shop anywhere that doesn't have the cheapest stuff and the deal.
Sorry....I don't quite get how the salon windows are going to work in the new sub zero space Seems a little odd. I think they ought to get a old sub zero fridge with the name prominent, put it in the window and fill it up with the salon products so it looks like "food"!

[patty heller]

I agree with Mary and Connie, and as one of the CWE's old folks, would like to remind everyone that Gaslight Square's demise was hastened by too many bars and too few, or none at all, antiques shops.

[Gregory Smith]

I wish Bill Oberbeck and Denise from Venus Adonis were still on Euclid also!