Legendary Hairstylist, John Barrett, Set To Expand Reach Beyond Bergdorf Goodman

NEW YORK, April 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- John Barrett, the premiere New York City salon, announced that it will expand nationwide with six new locations across the country. The plans include two additional salons in Manhattan; Palm Beach, FL; Washington D.C.; Dallas, TX; and Las Vegas, NV – locations in Manhattan's NoHo neighborhood and Palm Beach are set to open later this year.

The salon expansion and new product collection will increase brand reach beyond the current Bergdorf Goodman location and create fervent opportunities for the brand to grow in new directions.

"I have been fortunate with the success of my first location at Bergdorf Goodman.  It's now time to add new cities and new faces to the circle of friends and clients I have been privileged to build up over the years," says Barrett.

Barrett will also launch a line of premium products -- including both staples and innovative, proprietary creations -- bringing top-quality hair-care solutions to his ever-widening circle of followers. The product line will tap into a market expected to climb past the $10 billion mark by 2016.

Funding for the new enterprise comes from a private equity investment group led by distinguished investor James R. Hedges IV.  Hedges has been a recognized leader in the hedge fund industry for two-decades, known for identifying prime investment opportunities and significantly scaling retail businesses.  Also a renowned art investor and collector, Hedges is one of Barrett's longstanding clients and personal friends.

"Very few in the industry have the standards, expertise and appeal to grow into a national brand," Hedges said. "John absolutely does, as his business has continuously outperformed the salon industry. As a dedicated client myself, I am thrilled to help John scale his brand and bring his genius to new and fertile markets."

Growing the brand is an inevitable step for Barrett. His sole New York City location serviced more than 60,000 clients last year, up 6.7 percent over the prior year.  Perched atop the legendary Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan with a pristine view of Central Park's lush greenery, the salon is a kingly setting for the Irish immigrant who grew up as the fifth of ten children in a small house in Limerick, and is now at the pinnacle of the hair game in New York - where it's toughest to rise to the top. And now, Barrett is expanding his view -- and his domain.

In the 17 years since opening the salon, Barrett has established a prominent roster of national and international clients, and is recognized as the mastermind stylist behind some of America's most notable men and women in entertainment, business, politics and social spheres.

All new locations will be helmed by proteges personally chosen and trained by Barrett to ensure that each salon retains the mix of his warm, personal touch and meticulous attention to detail.  Continuing Barrett's commitment to nurturing the careers of America's most talented hair stylists, each new location will also offer a trademarked training program for the best local hair-care professionals. 

"My goal is to do all this by truly listening to my clients, exceeding the demands of the industry and capitalizing on my experience," says Barrett. "Nothing excites me more than spreading the magic my talented staff and I have created at Bergdorf Goodman, far beyond Fifth Avenue."

Further details on salon locations and personnel will follow later this year. 

About John Barrett

John Barrett is a pioneer in the luxury, beauty and hair care marketplace and owns the premiere namesake salon that resides atop the global luxury destination Bergdorf Goodman.  Since transforming the family penthouse apartment in 1996 into one of the most sought-after beauty destinations in the world, Mr. Barrett's approachable yet sophisticated take on beauty and his "simply chic" style has made him an industry icon. From runways to backstage, on set and at home in his salon, Mr. Barrett and his team are dedicated to providing the best service, talent and experience tailored to meet each client's individual needs.  

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140413/72947   
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140413/72948

SOURCE John Barrett Holdings