A local business owner is celebrating 15 years of trading on Westbury’s High Street.
Ashley Humphries established AJH Barber Co., an independent barber shop in the town centre, in 2009. The shop caters to current trends as well as traditional styles and techniques.
Reflecting on the changes he has witnessed over the years, Ashley said, “The High Street has lost a few long-standing businesses, such as the banks, Kevin’s Menswear and Chantry. I think there was even a fruit and veg shop when I first opened in 2009. However, there aren’t many vacant shops currently, and we still have a good mix of shops. The return of a Post Office is really good news for the community.”
Discussing the challenges he’s faced during his tenure, Ashley said, “Covid and the lockdowns caused a lot of disruption to my trade, as they did for many other shops. One positive outcome was the opportunity to go appointment-based. Our customers love the advantages of booking when it suits them, which creates a more relaxed atmosphere in the shop, free from queues.”
As one of the few independent shops in Westbury with a continuous owner for over 15 years, Ashley expressed his pride in his longevity in the community. “Time really creeps up on you. I’ve been so busy that I hadn’t really noticed until reminiscing about what used to be on the High Street and which shops had come and gone,” he said. “I have developed a lovely client base, and with many customers, it feels like I’m seeing old friends. My colleague Amber has also been a familiar face at the shop, having worked here for over a decade! I genuinely enjoy working in Westbury.”
“I hope to be here for many more years to come,” he added.
