A Shockoe Bottom barbershop closed last week although it liked its location and wanted to stay in business.
Razors, a high-end barbershop and men’s spa on Cary Street between 12th and 13th streets, closed early last week after its lease with a new landlord was not extended. The business opened in 2006.
Chanti Lowenberg, the manager at Razors, said that the new landlord – Tobacco Company restaurateur Jerry Cable – did not want to extend a lease to the business.
“He is not re-signing anyone on that block,” Lowenberg said.
“He is going to close all the places down. He wants to open a high-end retail shop like Saks Fifth Avenue.”
BizSense was unable to reach Cable, whose assistant said he was traveling through the middle of this week.
Cable bought the building that housed Razors at a foreclosure auction in December. (You can read more about that in an RBS story here.) Union First Market Bank had taken it back from disgraced developer Justin French.
In a February Times-Dispatch article, Cable said that he wants to restore the area and that it’s “an upscale shopping area in the middle of the financial district.”
Aaron Kremer is the BizSense editor. Please send news tips to [email protected].
A Shockoe Bottom barbershop closed last week although it liked its location and wanted to stay in business.
Razors, a high-end barbershop and men’s spa on Cary Street between 12th and 13th streets, closed early last week after its lease with a new landlord was not extended. The business opened in 2006.
Chanti Lowenberg, the manager at Razors, said that the new landlord – Tobacco Company restaurateur Jerry Cable – did not want to extend a lease to the business.
“He is not re-signing anyone on that block,” Lowenberg said.
“He is going to close all the places down. He wants to open a high-end retail shop like Saks Fifth Avenue.”
BizSense was unable to reach Cable, whose assistant said he was traveling through the middle of this week.
Cable bought the building that housed Razors at a foreclosure auction in December. (You can read more about that in an RBS story here.) Union First Market Bank had taken it back from disgraced developer Justin French.
In a February Times-Dispatch article, Cable said that he wants to restore the area and that it’s “an upscale shopping area in the middle of the financial district.”
Aaron Kremer is the BizSense editor. Please send news tips to [email protected].
Tis a shame. I like to see little niche businesses make a buck. I don’t see a high end shop lasting for long. Many have tried…none have succeeded.
I believe one of the most intriguing aspects of Shockoe Slip is its “retail diversity” and all its options. Yes, options for shopping, options for dining. To believe that a high end retail shop, like Saks, will enhance Cary Street, is nothing short of ridiculous. Ironically, there are 2 other “eateries” in that building, currently. Will they not be renewed?. ….and oh-by-the-way, adjacent to The Tobacco Company. To me, it looks like an attempt to stifle competition. There will be two more hotels arriving at 14th and Cary, providing more and more tourist options for our local merchants and restaurants.… Read more »
My view is comewhat counter to those above. To me if a large retailer could successfully secure an anchor position within the Slip and/or Bottom, then we could see a huge increase in foot traffic, opening the door to more success for the nich businesses clinging to life in that several-block radius. I hate to see a company be forced out of the area by a developer, but if the vision is fruitful, then there will be even greater opportunity for other shops and vendors in that wonderful and unique area that has struggeld to pull shoppers on weekends (other… Read more »
This is a shout out to the manager Chanti Lowenberg: I have a space available on 17th street near the farmers market that you may be interested in leasing. This space is available right now.Please give me a call to view the space @ 804-310-0403 – Thanks Debra
Agree w Cable’s move. But until the economy rebounds to 2007 level [it never will], and the area is saturated with over-paid yuppies [that won’t happen either], just don’t see ‘critical mass’ to make it profitable.
I guess he needs the tax loss … hope he’s not getting any City tax credits.
Here is a question for the owners/manager – if you knew your lease wasn’t going to renew March 1 – why were you still selling gift certificates on Feburary 19? Not an ethical business practice…
Weren’t there already two nice clothing shops that went bust down there? I believe Beecroft and Bull was one, and I can’t remember the other. Plus, Nathan’s just moved into the James Center. I would rethink the clothing idea. Why dump two flourishing businesses to add one that could be vacant in a few years?
Just to let everyone know that Meshael, Beth, and Kim are now at Virginia Hair as stylist still offering the same great services there!!! Please feel free to call us at (804) 788-4247, or come in to see ua at 14 south 15th street Richmond,Va 23219!!! Thanks
As the manager of Razors, I can assure everyone that we were unaware of the fact that we were closing.. Rumors were spread, but none of us were 100% sure until the last minute, which is why we were still going about our daily schedule as normal. We are definitely sorry if this caused any inconvenience to any of our clients, and we are very saddened by the fact that we will no longer be able to call 1213 E. Cary St. our home. Razors has plans to move its shop to another close location soon and we are still… Read more »
As a property owner in Shockoe Slip I find this report disheartening. I believe the ultimate goal for this block is to somehow incorporate the existing structures with a new high-rise office/retail/residential center; similar Washington DC’s Chinatown or Lerner Department Store Redevelopment. I sincerely hope that this area isn’t intentionally put in the same position it was in 2005-2006 when there were numerous empty store fronts and empty buildings.