A cut above: How Cox & Co is shaping Chapelton one haircut at a time

Just a few miles south of Aberdeen, the vibrant new town of Chapelton is making a name for itself – not just for its stylish homes and green spaces, but for its buzzing local scene and the strong sense of community at its heart.

At the centre of it all is The Boxes: a colourful collection of innovative pop-up style retail units that give small businesses the perfect opportunity to grow in a thriving Aberdeenshire town.

One of the early arrivals was Cox & Co, a friendly barbershop that first opened in the summer of 2021. After a fresh rebrand in early 2023, the business has continued to flourish – most recently expanding into a double unit to keep up with demand. From haircuts to beard trims and facials, Cox & Co offers the full works, all delivered with precision, care and a good chat from owner Josh Cox.

We caught up with Josh to hear all about what inspired him to launch his business in Chapelton, the exciting journey so far and why he loves being part of this growing community.

What inspired you to start Cox & Co, and how did you get into barbering?

“I got into barbering after finishing university and realising that the course I studied wasn’t right for me. I knew I wanted a hands-on job that allowed me to be creative and barbering had always interested me. I managed to secure an apprenticeship in Aberdeen and that’s where it all began.”

Why did you choose to set up your business in Chapelton?

“I moved into my house in Chapelton in 2020 and quickly realised the town was missing a barbershop. One of my clients from when I worked in Aberdeen also lived here and mentioned how great it would be to have something local. Not long after, The Boxes were advertised and it seemed like the perfect fit!”

Can you tell us more about your recent expansion at The Boxes? And what services do you offer?

“We’ve been trading for four years now and the barbershop was fully booked most weeks, so the need for expansion was clear. It just so happened that a larger box next door became available, so I jumped at the chance to upsize. It was especially convenient given it was directly next door and since I’d been hands-on with the fitting out the first space, it didn’t seem too daunting to take on the second.

“Myself and my colleague, Nathan, offer a full range of men’s grooming services, including haircuts, beard trims and facial treatments.”

What do you love most about being part of the Chapelton community?

“What we love most about having a shop in Chapelton is how friendly the clientele is. Across all ages, every customer is polite and easy to talk to. The town has a real culture of supporting local and independent businesses, and you really feel that, especially when you see familiar faces returning each week.”

How have the local residents and businesses supported you since opening?

“The businesses at The Boxes are really supportive of one another – from sharing social media posts to recommending one another to customers. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie and a shared goal of helping each business grow as much as possible.”

Do you have any memorable customer stories or experiences from Chapelton?

“It’s always great hearing what everyone in the town has been up to, whether it’s preparing for the Chapelton 10k, grabbing a chippy from the Quayside Van or having a pint at Devenick Drinks while the kids play in the park. There’s always a strong feeling of community and it creates such a great atmosphere to work in.”

Learn more about Cox & Co on Facebook or Instagram.

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