London Inc. September 2022 - 19

you'd go for a shave and haircut (or a perm back
in the '70s).
As hairstyles changed inside the shop -
from shags to short back and sides and everything
in between - the streetscape outside the
shop was changing as well. This used to be a
vibrant, bustling commercial area, says Ioele.
People came from all over the city to shop at
Hudson's Department Store, the anchor of the
strip, and bustling shops lined the street running
east to the Western Fair grounds.
" It was hard to find a place to rent, " Ioele
recalls. " If a business moved out, people would
just be waiting for the chance to move in. "
In the 1970s and '80s, Ioele knew all his
neighbouring business owners. He says the
police had regular foot patrols and a more
once knew have closed shop.
Men's grooming habits have change, too.
Today, Ioele says it's common for the time
between two barber visits to extend to six
to eight weeks - or even longer. In past
generations, it was more like two weeks.
visible presence in the community. The annual Santa
Clause parade was a daytime event full of excitement as
families lined up along the sidewalk, and he would hand out
lollipops. " I told the kids they were from Santa, that I was
helping him out. "
The changes to the area happened gradually over the
years, says Ioele. He talks about Hudson's closing, the
arrival of the OEV BIA, the city's unending roadwork,
widening of sidewalks, elimination of parking spots on the
street, the rise in people on the street with mental health
and addictions issues.
Over the past four to five years, the challenges have
accelerated, especially with the financial and social strains
brought on by the pandemic. He no longer knows his neighbours,
and many of the long-time business owners that he
" People would come in for a quick trim all the time, " says
Ioele. " It was more like maintenance. "
Nonetheless, Ioele's clients - ranging from older gentlemen
who have been with him for years to a surprising
number of younger customers - continue to make their way
to Vince's Barbershop, trekking from all parts of the city
and some from out of town. Many have become friends over
the years, and the social connections are a big part of what
keeps Ioele from hanging up his scissors.
He works shorter hours, three or four days a week now,
mainly by appointment, and occasionally has walk-in
clients. It's enough to pay the rent, make a few bucks and
keep Ioele as busy as he wants to be.
" I'd be happy if someone was interested in taking over, but
for now I still love doing this, " he says.
KYM WOLFE
SEPTEMBER 2022 | londonincmagazine.ca | 19
http://www.londonincmagazine.ca
London Inc. September 2022

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