Hollywood to pioneer salon chain

Bijay Simkhada living in Toronto, Canada, since 11 years is opening a chain of luxury salons in the Kathmandu Valley, promising quality services at affordable prices for middle income groups. He is investing Rs 10 million to open up the chain -- Hollywood Hair Salon -- and expresses confidence to recoup investment within a year. Myrepublica.com caught up this man with the mission, who is also the president of Nepalese-Canadian Community Services (NCCS), to talk about his new venture on the eve of its inauguration.



Excerpts:



Myrepublica.com: Salon sounds interesting, but why salon and not other business?



Bijay Simkhada: Hair cutting, styling and professional make up services is a huge business the world over. For instance, Canada Ridge -- an international chain -- has an annual turnover of over 3 billion dollar. In Kathmandu, luxury hair salons are few and overpriced. Salons in the neighborhood lack cleanliness, professionalism and hardly bother about hygiene. So, quality hair studio has a huge business prospect here. I am launching the first outlet of my chain in Thamel on Saturday.







Myrepublica.com: What is the size of your investment?



Simkhada: I am investing Rs 10 million; opening 10 salons one after another within a year. After Saturday´s inauguration in Thamel, I will move to New Road. Then it will be in the commercial and residential intersections like Jawalakhel and Maharajgunj, among others.



Myrepublica.com: How will Hollywood Hair Salon be different than others?



Simkhada: First, its studio is spacious and have interiors designed and divided into different zones such as reception area, sales and advice, hair cutting, lounging, washing, dyeing, special treatment rooms, and a retail center to cater different services. There are separate zones for ladies, gents and children´s hair cutting services. There will be a receptionist to greet the customers and provide them with hot towel in winter and cold towel in winter. Each saloon will have eight professional staffs expert at hair cutting and styling, beauty and make up services. Cleanliness and hygiene are other striking difference. Hollywood will also provide home services.



Myrepublica.com: How affordable will be Hollywood´s service?



Simkhada: Hollywood will offer the hair cutting service at Rs 100 for men and children. For ladies, it will be Rs 150. For other services, rates will be different. These rates are higher than general salons, but not unaffordable. Given the luxury and service one would get there, the cost is nothing. I am targeting voluminous business.

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