Bradley closes shop after 41 years in downtown Kincardine

After 41 years in downtown Kincardine, barber Kevin Bradley of Snip 'n Clip closed his door for the final time, Friday afternoon.

He is moving his business to his home, north of Millarton, at 1863 Sideroad 10, where he will continue cutting hair Tuesdays and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. His telephone number remains the same, 519-396-3121.

Bradley opened his barber shop on June 4, 1974, and has been trimming and clipping hair for his many loyal and important customers ever since.

Born and raised north of Millarton, he says he became a barber because it was better than working in construction. He learned the trade at George Brown College in Toronto in 1973.

He rented the location at 730 Queen Street from Audrey Edisbury, who was Audrey Robinson at the time, and has never taken appointments. His customers simply know his business hours - they come in and put their name on the board and have their haircut when their turn comes up.

"I've always operated as an old-time barber shop," he says. "That business of having customers write their name on the board began 22 years ago."

After four decades of cutting hair, listening to people and sharing plenty of gossip, Bradley says it's time for him to go into semi-retirement.

"This is a great community and I've been involved in the community for many years," he says. "I've had four generations of customers come through my shop, and I've watched all of these kids grow up. I'm going to miss the downtown, but my customers will find me."

He says the highlight of working downtown has been running his own business, and observing the many changes in his surroundings and in the clientele.

"I've seen quite a few customers who had lots of hair when they were kids and now they have none," he says, with a laugh. "Back in the day, they had dark hair and now it's grey or white."

He has watched hairstyles change over the years. "When I started in the '70s, everyone wore their hair long and shaggy. Today, it's a lot different, and a lot shorter."
When he opened his shop, the cost of a haircut was $2.50; now, it's $17.

Some of his long-time customers include Frank Caiger-Watson, Brad Kirkconnell, Garry Lawton and Eugene Harrison. While most of his clients have been men, he has cut hair for some ladies as well.

So, once he enters semi-retirement, what does he plan to do?

"Whatever the heck I want," says Bradley, "and what my wife wants me to do."

He and his wife, Sharon Moores, have a son, Thomas.