Wiggins Barber Shop moves into new home after 80 years

For 80 years, Wiggins Barber Shop served customers at its South Cotton Street location off of Andalusia’s downtown square, but it relocated to a new home on the square this week.

The City of Andalusia and private development owners of the Timmerman Building acquired the original Wiggins location as part of a project that will allow the historic building to be used in conjunction with a new boutique hotel. The building and square footage was needed in order to move that project forward.

Purvis Gilmer was the shop’s original owner when it opened on Feb. 29, 1944. Henry Wiggins joined in 1956 and purchased the shop in 1973.

Robin Veasey, who came on board in 1998, became the third owner in 2008 and left the previous name intact.

“It was a very hard decision to make when I was informed I had to give up the previous location. That was the only place I have ever cut hair since I began my career,” Veasey said.

For several months, remodeling efforts went into the new location in preparation for Wiggins’ first day of operation, which came on Monday, July 8.

“The city and I came to an agreement on what I envisioned for the new shop. I was allowed to pick out everything I wanted and needed as part of the move. I’m excited for our new location, atmosphere, and my employees,” she said.

Veasey added that the amount of space at the new location is triple that of its former building.

“The feedback we have received here has been great so far. Everyone has loved it and said the parking was so much better. Our customers have more room, and we are not as confined as we were off the square. While it was difficult to move in the beginning, we are excited to call a new place home and see where it takes us in the future.”

Relocating a small distance did not deter loyal customers of Wiggins from getting their hair cut as she reported a busy first week at the shop.

“They believe it is in a beautiful location on the court square. Our older generation customers have commented on the history of the building we are in. We are blessed to still be going strong after 80 years in operation and are proud to be in Andalusia,” Veasey said.

Wiggins will keep the same hours of operation and continue to accept only walk-ins rather than appointments. Victoria Hamrac and Lindsay Scriven are still on staff. Melissa Dean, who took a break from cutting hair for a few years, joined Veasey, Hamrac, and Scriven with the move.

“I truly enjoy my profession and have a passion for cutting hair. Serving the community in this way gives me the opportunity to meet new people from all walks of life. Many of our customers become like family to me,” Veasey said.

The new location will still have an old, nostalgic feel as Veasey moved some items from the previous location.

“When you come see us on the square, you will see some familiar things. We have the original Coke machine, Lance jars, the chairs, and mirrors from our old location. Something new to the shop is a receptionist desk that is being run by my daughter and Lindsay’s daughter. My girls from the old shop are still with me, and we are excited to have Melissa join our team. I could not do this without all of them and am blessed for sure,” she said.

She feels that the move to the square will be beneficial to her business in the long run.

“Wiggins has been such a historic barber shop in this community for a long time. With us being right on the square, we are now more visible to the public. This will help us attract even more people to the shop and keep us going strong. I just want to thank all of the new people and regular clients who have not stopped coming despite the move. I want to keep Wiggins going for as long as I can. The legacy and the name of Wiggins Barber Shop will continue to be part of this community for many years,” Veasey said.

Haircuts were the only service at the previous location. With the new home, two new services will be offered.

“We are now doing shampoos and will soon be offering eyebrow waxing to the public,” she said.

Wiggins Barber Shop is now located at 27 South Court Square next door to the John Peek Law Firm.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years and through this difficult but welcoming move. We look forward to seeing even more people in our new home,” Veasey said.

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