World’s oldest barbershop set to start business in Sri Lanka

LONDON: Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens, Beau Brummell, Lord Byron and Frank Sinatra’s favourite barbershop, Truefitt & Hill, is now poised to enter the Sri Lankan market and open luxurious men’s grooming barbershops across these countries.

The company was brought to India by Lloyds Luxuries Ltd., which has acquired the Master Franchise License for not just India but also Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Myanmar and Vietnam.

Established in 1805, Truefitt & Hill is a Royal Warrant Holder of Appointment to The Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip and has had the privilege of being in continuous service to the British Royal Family throughout the past two centuries. With such impeccable credentials, it is not surprising that the opening of stores in Sri Lanka beyond is now eagerly awaited by all men who wish to feel and look their very best.  

Started by Istayak Ansari and Krishna Gupta in 2014, Lloyds Luxuries Ltd. aims at creating an atmosphere of total relaxation and ultimate comfort for their male guests. 

Lloyds Luxuries Ltd. Directors Ansari and Gupta said: “After the successful opening of this international barber shop in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, we are very eager to expand in Sri Lanka and now looking for suitable partners to enter into franchise and distribution agreements in Sri Lanka and extend exclusive rights for this territory. We at Truefitt & Hill believe in giving an experience and not just a service. Taking care of yourself is a necessity and we groom here with a luxurious touch giving a friendly and a luxurious atmosphere with the best renowned people at your service.”

Katie Broughton from Truefitt & Hill said: “I understand that Sri Lanka have considerable luxury markets and since Truefitt is positioned at the pinnacle of male grooming and is widely considered as the most prestigious barbershop in the world, it makes a lot of sense for us to enter these markets. There is only one barbershop in the world with such prestigious accolades and such enviable list of achievements and we believe that it will be a great success in any territory in which men appreciate the importance of being flawlessly groomed, not only in the context of their professional careers, but also in their everyday lives.

“As such we are keen to expand our business and are presently exploring the possibility of becoming involved with a right partner who would like to start operations of Truefitt & Hill barber shops in these countries. We are also looking for experienced partners to distribute our famous fragrances and grooming products, which are currently sold across the world from the very best retail stores, for example, such as Harrods and Fortnum & Mason in London.”

Truefitt & Hill, which last year were privileged to take part in the Coronation Festival – exclusive celebrations held at Buckingham Palace to commemorate the 60th anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation – was also a favourite among those who sailed the Titanic and its history is forever entwined with this maritime tragedy.

When artefacts of the RMS Titanic were recovered from the sea bed, among them was a number of Truefitt’s ceramic pomade jars containing several products made by Truefitt & Hill and obviously taken on board by Truefitt’s patrons who have embarked on this ill-fated voyage. 

“Amazingly enough, when the products were brought up from the bottom of Atlantic, they were all in perfect condition as they were securely sealed in their containers. The ceramic containers were also undamaged and today they are exhibited at The Titanic Artifact Exhibition, while some can be viewed at Truefitt’s flagship store in London at St James Street,” Broughton said.

“Not many companies in the world are fortunate enough to have such an incredibly rich and storied history which is so closely intertwined with well-known historical figures and events. Our past patrons literally shaped and mapped the course of world’s history, while some of our current patrons continue to do so today. It is not just an empty slogan or a meaningless tagline when we claim that we have been ‘Grooming Men for Greatness’. Judging from our past and current customer list, we have done just that in the past and we continue to do so today,” Broughton added.

“The concept of Truefitt & Hill has proven to be successful right across world’s borders as it not only provides men with a safe haven of grooming luxury, but it also provides an invaluable tool and assistance for all young men who need to learn how to effectively groom themselves so that they always remain confident in knowledge that no matter what their aspirations are, they are always able, with Truefitt’s guidance, to put their best face forward.”