BARBERING TODAY's barbershop tours gives you a virtual tour of a barbershop, in order to offer design inspiration whether you need to update your existing space or launch a new barbershop. This tour takes place at Banter Barbershop and Clothier which combines traditional barbering services with modern grooming techniques in a setting that heightens the experience with men's apparel and accessories with a nod to family history. 

BANTER BARBERSHOP AND CLOTHIER
Newburyport, Massachusetts
banterbarber.com
OWNER: Eric Eramo
BARBERSHOP STYLE: masculine, vintage, upscale
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,300
STATIONS: 4
FURNITURE: Barber Brace US
EQUIPMENT: Takara Belmont
TOTAL DESIGN INVESTMENT: $141,000
RETAIL LINES: STMNT, Baxter, First Hand Supply
COLOR LINES: Paul Mitchell, Redken
DESIGN BY: Ashley Bongo Design; BLB Design/Build
ARCHITECT: Ashley Bongo Design
PHOTOGRAPHER: Mark Spooner

As you stroll down the historical downtown area of Newburyport, Massachusetts, the spinning barber pole and blade sign pulls you toward the storefront window of Banter Barber and Clothier. Inside, guests peruse a curated selection of men’s clothing and accessories, nested in custom cabinetry painted in cool stormy tones, and custom iron garment racks. 

Expanded Retail Offerings

The expanded retail of clothing and accessories offer barbering clients a comfortable shopping experience while waiting for their services. This additional commission opportunity for the barbers has also helped to support higher wages.

“While the features the incredible talents of many barbers, we knew that Banter’s unique approach of pairing barbering with men’s clothing would heighten the experience for our clients,” says Owner Eric Eramo. “Banter is bringing old school barbershop energy but for the modern man. We deliver classic hot towel clean shaves, while simultaneously executing seamless modern fades or skilled modern mullet scissor cuts.” 

Design Infused with Family History

Banter’s logo is hand painted on the building’s original brick wall, behind the wrapping 100 square-foot desk, which has a dual function as a bar during private events. This unique design has allowed Banter to expand its service offerings to private groups, such as groomsmen parties, corporate events, or for seasonal community events.

The logo features a modern silhouette Eric Eramo’s great-grandfather Matty Stuto, a former barber and first-generation Italian immigrant. His smile, charisma and cheeky dimple represent the good vibes and positive energy clients feel walking into the shop. “This dapper man boasts high style, witty humor and is always up for a little banter,” Eramo says. “His story has been a huge part in the brand development and launch.”

Billiards and shuffleboard are stationed in the retail space, inviting clients to stay a while and play as they wait for services or shop. Moving past the lounge, a series of custom brass cabinetry is stocked with men’s grooming products, which also create privacy for barbering services, while allowing natural light, music and conversation to carry through.  

A Luxurious Touch

Stepping into the four-station barber shop in the back of Banter’s linear floorplan, clients are invited to sit back in luxury Takara Belmont barbering chairs, as they enjoy their services. The barbers’ tools are splayed across the green marble countertops, with styling products from STMNT, Baxter and First Hand Supply tucked inside glass door cabinets. 

The reproduction vintage barber styling stations, imported from the Netherlands, complement the historical features of the building and period photography throughout the shop. The brand and logo development are centered around the barbering legacy of Banter Proprietor Eric Eramo’s great-grandfather. The vintage-meets-modern design tactfully pairs modern features such as leather drawer pulls and white porcelain chair bases, juxtaposed vintage merchandising and original tin ceiling. 

The design uniquely acknowledges the brand's story and pays tribute to Newburyport’s historic downtown with old school barbershop energy, but for the modern man. 

Want us to take a virtual tour of your barbershop? Send your story and images to stacey.soble@bobit.com. 

Get more design inspiration from our 2022 Salons of the Year, including the 2022 Barbershop of the Year.