The owner cited renovations to the building’s lobby, where the shop is located.
The Grain Exchange Barbershop will be closing its doors after more than a century of business in downtown Minneapolis.
On Tuesday, owner Bob Haddow announced that the barbershop, located in the historic Grain Exchange Building at 400 S 4th St., would close its doors on March 31. Haddow cited upcoming renovations to the building’s lobby, where the shop is located.
“Many downtown office towers had barbershops in their lobbies years ago,” the announcement read.
“The Grain Exchange Barbershop is the last of its kind and oldest barbershop in Minneapolis. A little hard to find, invisible from the street, it’s worth the effort if you appreciate turn-of-the-century architecture.”
Haddow will hold a closing sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday. Items include antique barber tools, baseball memorabilia and art.
Pictures courtesy of Grain Exchange Barbershop
Haddow told FOX 9 that the barber shop has been operating since 1902, and he’s been the owner for around a decade.
In addition to the renovations, downtown’s shrinking business population has made it difficult for the shop to stay open, according to the announcement.
“The downtown area is transforming into a residential neighborhood, while business activity has declined,” it read.
“Bob worked hard to maintain relationships with longtime customers along with attracting new downtown residents – but transformation can be deadly.”
After a break, Haddow will continue plying his trade at the Industrial Arts Barbershop at the Schooner Bar at 2903 27th Ave. S.
“Same phone number. Same great haircuts at a great price,” said Haddow, who charges $25 for a haircut and $20 for a buzzcut – with beard trims free with a cut.
