A NEW Gawler business is looking to add something new to Murray Street’s economy, ahead of its opening this weekend.

Business partners Matthew Newall and Nicholas Rehmann have founded Lagers and Barbers, a barbershop on Gawler’s main street.

It will give local men the chance to enjoy a brew with their haircut and is one of a growing number of barber shops opening across Adelaide.

Mr Newall was excited to become a part of Murray Street’s identity and had always had one eye on starting a business on the main street.

“I’ve come out to Gawler a lot and I’ve seen there’s no new-style barber set up out here,” he said. “So I thought it would be a good opportunity.

“The idea wasn’t to get something as big as this, but it ended up being ideal at the end. The spot is great and having rear access car parking and everything like that is a bonus.

“The problem is, most of these shops have been here for 40 years and you don’t need to look far to see some places are ageing.

“To get something new is going to appeal to a lot of people. It’s time for a change in the area.”

Prior to founding the barbershop Mr Newall previously owned a gym in Salisbury, while Lagers and Barbers is Mr Rehmann’s first business venture.

The pair both grew up in the northern suburbs and saw Gawler as an exciting place to start a new business.

They hope to capture the increasing number of young males living in the area, although the barbershop will cater for all ages.

“The population is massive and there’s plenty of market for it (a barbershop),” Mr Newall said.

“There is a lot of younger people out here… and barbershops are taking off, so it’s the perfect place to have a young-market and well done-up barbershop.”

The pair faced a nervous wait on some of their equipment due to COVID-19 pandemic-related delays, but are all set to open on schedule.

Mr Newall believed he and Mr Rehmann’s new Murray Street business would be successful, despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus.

“With coronavirus at the moment not a lot of business are starting up,” he said.

“So, you’re taking a chance setting up a new business in this environment, but we reckon it’ll work out, so that’s why we went for it.”