Hiz Hair in Tombland in Norwich to close after 40 years

Hiz Hair in Tombland first opened in 1984 but will shut for the final time on Saturday when its owners officially retire.

Paul Brown, Paul Johnson and Chris Riseborough met while working at a different barber shop in 1976.

Hiz Hair opened in Tombland in 1984 (Image: Denise Bradley)

They quickly became friends and launched their own venture when they were in their early 20s.

After Mr Riseborough died a couple of years ago, Mr Brown and Mr Johnson carried on the business for as long as they could.

Mr Brown explained he was sad to see the business go and said it would be strange not to come to work anymore.

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"I don't know what I'm going to do with my time now and I'm going to miss everyone," he said. 

"It's been great but it's changed a lot over the years - the pandemic was particularly strange because everyone had to book appointments and have masks on.

"The nature of the job has changed too because we don't get as much footfall through Tombland anymore."

The trio featured in a 1985 edition of the Norwich Evening News (Image: Denise Bradley)

Paul Johnson, left, and Paul Brown agreed they were not sure what to do with their time moving forward (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Johnson said he felt "apprehensive" about his retirement and is unsure how he is going to fill his days. 

"Some days, like today, I'm tired on my feet and can't wait for a break but other days I feel really sad about it.

"It's going to be horrible - I keep thinking I'll have to try and fill my days with things to do but I suppose I don't.

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"I could just sit around and watch rubbish on the television if I want."

Mr Brown agreed the prospect of retirement was daunting.

"I have no plans at all," he said. "I haven't played table tennis for a few months so I could pick that backup and I might play some bowls."

The shop was featured in a 1985 edition of the Norwich Evening News (Image: Denise Bradley)

John F Howard, who has been a Hiz Hair client for 40 years, said he was dreading the closure.

"I have never been to anyone else in all this time," he said.

"I don't want to go anywhere else either so I suppose I'll just have to grow my hair right out down to my waist."

Mr Brown confirmed the premises would be taken over by another barber in due course.