Fewer Indonesians Visiting Barbershops as Economic Uncertainty Bites
National economic uncertainty is creating a ripple effect across various business sectors, including barbershops. Several barbers have reported a decline in the number of customers amidst growing economic pressure on the public.
Deni, an employee at the Asgar (Asli Garut) barbershop in the Tebet area, South Jakarta, has noticed a downward trend in customer numbers recently. On some days, as late as midday, only one customer has arrived.
“When it is busy, we can get nine to 15 people. But when it is quiet, there are only three. Today, up until this hour, there has only been one customer,” Deni told CNBC Indonesia.
Despite the services being relatively affordable—with prices ranging from Rp 7,000 to Rp 50,000, including adult haircuts at Rp 20,000 and hair colouring at Rp 50,000—the business is struggling. Deni noted that increased competition and the weakening of public purchasing power are significant factors affecting his workplace.
“Compared to last year, there is a noticeable decline. The economic influence is certainly there,” he said. He added that while people used to visit more regularly, many are now delaying haircuts as a way to adjust their daily expenditures, particularly since his clientele mostly consists of lower-middle-class individuals. Consequently, turnover has become heavily dependent on seasonal momentum.
In the Mampang Prapatan area of South Jakarta, Ibrahim, a manager and employee at another barbershop, explained that while customers do arrive daily, the numbers are unpredictable. His shop typically sees more activity during weekends or after working hours.
“Alhamdulillah, there are customers every day. We have had days with 20, but that is rare. On ordinary days, we usually serve about 3 to 5 people,” he said. Ibrahim noted that unlike food, which is a daily necessity, grooming is a service where habits vary, and the rising cost of basic necessities is making people more cautious with their spending.
Ibrahim expressed hope for economic stability so that people can afford their regular needs, including grooming. For now, he relies on customer loyalty and whoever happens to need a haircut.
Meanwhile, Diana Ganefa, the owner of Gamma Barbershop, stated that she opened her business three years ago after seeing significant potential in the industry. However, she noted that customer numbers in her South Tangerang location remain inconsistent, ranging from as few as two to as many as 15 people per day.
Like other barbers, Diana observed that her shop tends to experience surges only during specific periods, such as weekends, the period leading up to Eid al-Fitr, and the start of the new school year.