Local Barbershop Celebrates 100 Years of Vandalizing Customers’ Cars
ST. PETERSBURG — St. Pete’s oldest barbershop is celebrating 100 years in business this month, marking a century of placing branded decals on customers’ vehicles without their permission.
According to staff, the practice dates back to the shop’s earliest days and has since become a defining part of the experience.
“It’s what we’re known for,” the barber said. “The haircuts too, obviously. But mainly it’s the decals.”
Employees say the process has been refined over time, with assistants trained to move quickly while customers remain seated.
“If someone says yes, we’ll go ahead and put one on,” a staff member explained. “If they don’t say anything, we still go ahead and put one on.”
Some regulars say the decals are part of what keeps them coming back.
“You get used to it,” said one customer. “I think I have five on my car at this point.”
Some notice the stickers right away. Others say they didn’t notice until much later.
“I saw it that night,” a confused customer reported. “I don’t remember agreeing to this, but I guess I must have.”
Staff say the decals are designed to last, noting that removal can be “challenging” without the proper approach.
“We’ve had people try to scrape them off and end up making it worse,” the barber said, laughing. “Those things aren’t going anywhere.”
To celebrate the milestone, the shop says it plans to expand its decal operations throughout the summer, with additional staff dedicated to “vehicle applications.”
“Anyone can cut hair,” the barber added. “This is what people really remember.”
