Hi im Andy, new to the forum, I am a barber by trade and own 2 modern stylish barber shops in the UK.(Lancs)

I am looking to sell up over here and start a new life over in spain, (mainly due to wanting a new challenge and the chronic weather).............

I was hoping to get some useful knowledge and feed back on where people think a barber shop is needed on the costa del sol…....I have checked out marbella, estepona, sotogrande and a couple more, but still very undecided and location is obvioulsy vital to my success or failure!

where do you guys get your haircut currently? (hairdressers or barbers)  where do you live?  how much do you pay, or are willing to pay?

is leasing expensive?  and I have also heard that spainish landlords make it differcult for new English businessmen?

would very much appreciate any comments guys….thanks.

Hi Andy,

prices. I pay 12 euros currently. I live in Fuengirola. hairdresser

Competition amongst haridressers/barber can be quite fierce down here, especially if you only cater to one nationality.

If you are looking at basing you business on the western costa del sol, I would recommend visiting these areas out of season. Many of them can get very quiet as they only recently developed and have not go a large local populaiton to act as a client base when the tourists are not here.

You know your trade better than I. I am willing to bet you really alot on repeat business and have a quite a loyal client base? That would be no different here. You will be trying to ‘take’ other hairdresser/barbers clients. Taking over an existing hairdresser would at least give you a clientele.

Leaseholds will be all ove hte place (price wise). So will rents. You iwll needs to shop around and get a clear idea of what you are paying for. See what the passing trade is like. Also remember, if its a spanish area, foot traffic tends to be at different times than say the english.

the whole thing about making it difficult for english landlords is total bs. you will find good landlords and bad landlords. A foreigner who does not speak the local lingo will have more difficulties than someone who does.

Good luck with your search

Thanks very much for your reply, didnt think anyone was interested!!

Im flying out on sunday to gather abit more information and chat to a few people. i have a meeting with an advisor (gestoria) as well so hopefully i’ll know more when i get back to the UK.

thanks again mate