Strand Stories: Edward & Co

There’s a sharp new team behind the chairs at Edward & Co Barber Shop at The Strand, headed up by manager Sam Squires. 

Hailing from Wales, the fully qualified barber has lived in Australia for the past three years, and is now calling the Southern Gold Coast home. Sam’s passion for barbering began while he was studying and working in business marketing and PR for five years in Wales, and was cutting hair the whole time as a novice barber.
“My mother was a hairdresser, she was trained by Vidal Sassoon in London, so it’s always been in my blood,” he said. “There’s a governing body in the UK for barbering so I worked towards getting my full qualification.”
Following a stint at Mermaid Beach’s Alfred’s Apartment, Sam worked at Edward & Co’s brother store in Burleigh before settling down here at the southern end of the coast.

Sam is managing a brand new team at Edward & Co at The Strand, who all specialise in a range of different barbering styles – using traditional barbering techniques in a modern way.

“Our team is made up of specialists in long hair cutting, and medium to long length styles which fits in with the Southern Gold Coast surfer crowd. We’ve also got fading pros, and then we specialise in the traditional shaves, like cutthroat shaves, and ear singeing. Plus we’re stocking some of the best and most popular products in Australia, including Uppercut, Proraso, and American Crew.” 

Taking over the reins, Sam’s focus is creating a family-friendly space with a welcoming atmosphere, as well as building positive relationships with the local business community. They are still offering a free beer or whisky with every cut or shave, and they rotate the beer and whisky every week, based on each barbers’ recommendation.

Rather than the traditional walk in barbershop, Sam has implemented a booking system to cater for a better customer experience, focusing on quality and overall care.

“We are now one of the only barbers on the Gold Coast taking appointments as well as welcoming walk-ins, because our focus is on quality. It’s about allowing men to build a relationship with their barber, especially if they want to work towards a particular style over a length of time,” says Sam.

In another break from tradition, Sam is bringing in modern techniques and styles such as men’s skin care and hair styling beyond the simple shear and shave, which he sees as a growing market.

“Our clients can leave the shop knowing they can style their hair from home in the same way, plus we can give advice on hair length and crowns, and advise on the best styles for kids. Quality and service are a massive focus for us.”

People can also book out the space for Bucks Parties and other functions which is an area of the business they want to grow.

With two apprentices in training, each week Edward & Co will be offering free cuts and beers for training days. Follow them on Instagram for upcoming training dates to score a free style, plus keep up to date with their regular promotions.

Edward & Co Barber Shop is located on the Ground Level near the Griffith St entrance, and is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm. Bookings are by appointment. Phone 0404 853 351 or see in store to book.