Springfield barber shop owner looks at store closure as an opportunity

Alex Robinson, owner of Robinson Corner Cuts, and his son, Jarred, sit in his empty barber shop Thursday after the governor ordered all barber shops and nail salons to close Wednesday due to the coronavirus. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Alex Robinson, owner of Robinson Corner Cuts, and his son, Jarred, sit in his empty barber shop Thursday after the governor ordered all barber shops and nail salons to close Wednesday due to the coronavirus. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

One Springfield barber shop owner said he understands why Gov. Mike DeWine ordered the immediate closure of barber shops, hair and nail salons and tattoo parlor on Wednesday.

The governor ordered the closures as part of efforts to slow the spread of CLOVID-19, or coronavirus, a respiratory condition marked by fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

“The news of shutting down the barber shop yesterday, I guess for me, was understandable seeing the current situation and taking precautions because we’re dealing with the public every day,” said Alex Robinson, owner of Robinson Corner Cutz.

Robinson said the shop was already taking precautions, and for the most part, had appointments with only one or two people inside at a time.

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“I understood,” he said. “My wife’s father told me before we got married, “be sure to know how to make money more than one way,” so with that, I’m OK with it financially.”

Robinson’s heart goes out to the ones who cannot work, he said.

“My heart goes out to the ones, like the restaurants, waiters, waitresses, and it can definitely be a tough time on some,” Robinson said. “My heart definitely goes out to them.”

His hope, Robinson said, is that people are not fearful of the pandemic.

“Seeing that it’s a pandemic, I’m hoping people aren’t fearful,” he said. “With my faith, that has brought me a lot of comfort and peace so I’m not fearful.”

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There is some uncertainty, Robinson said.

“Not sure how long this is going to be. It’s not sustainable for me personally,” he said. “We’ll just be prepared and do whatever it takes.”

Customers of Robinson’s shop have been understanding of the closure, he said.

“I believe for the most part a lot of my customers are understanding, and I believe also it gives opportunity,” he said. “A lot of my customers are fathers and a lot of them have time off work to be able to spend time at home with family.”

Robinson said he is looking at the closure as an opportunity.

“I guess for me to be able to look on the bright side of things and the opportunity with the age we’re living in,” he said. “Being able to be together as a family, looking at it in that perspective. I’m happy for that opportunity.”

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