Blog
Welcome Back to SWYD – Updates and Future Plans for Our Tattoo & Barber Shop in Cardiff
Hello everyone, It’s been a while since we’ve posted any updates, and we wanted to take this opportunity to fill you in on what’s been happening at our shop. A lot has changed since the challenging times of 2020, and we’ve been working hard to adapt. As many of you know, before the lockdown, our tattoo and barber shop was thriving. Unfortunately, like many businesses, we’ve faced our own set of challenges since reopening. But we’re still here, and we’ve got some exciting updates to share with you!
The Impact of the Pandemic on Our Business & High Street Arcade
The pandemic impacted us all in unexpected ways, and the changes weren’t just in the day-to-day operations of our shop. The area surrounding us, High Street Arcade, has seen a major transformation over the past few years. Just before lockdown, there were ambitious plans for a new food hall and other developments in the area. However, as we all know, the world was forced to pause, and so were these plans.
In the aftermath, many of the businesses in both High Street Arcade and Duke Street Arcade were asked to vacate their spaces, leaving a huge gap in the local economy. What was once a bustling, vibrant area full of Cardiff’s best independent businesses is now quite different. Aside from us, the shop has seen a decline in foot traffic, with only a few businesses left, including Hobos, Barker Tea, NY Deli, and Corner Coffee, who continue to operate.
This significant reduction in walk-through trade has, unfortunately, affected our business. The lack of visitors to High Street Arcade, due to empty storefronts, has made it harder for us to maintain the same level of customer traffic we once enjoyed. While we’ve always relied on our loyal customers, the decline in passing trade has been tough to navigate.
The Wait for the Food Hall: Good News Ahead
On a positive note, there’s good news on the horizon! The highly anticipated food hall development, which has faced multiple setbacks due to planning and structural issues (the buildings here are Victorian, after all), is finally moving forward. We’re excited to announce that work officially started earlier this year, with the promise of a new food hall opening its doors early next year.
Despite the delays (and occasional discovery of asbestos during renovations!), we’re hopeful that this development will bring new life back to the arcade, attracting foot traffic and ultimately boosting local business. It’s been a long wait, but we truly believe that once the food hall opens, the atmosphere in High Street Arcade will be revived, and the vibrancy that once existed will return.
What’s Next for SWYD Tattoo & Barber Shop
In the meantime, we continue to offer the best in tattoo and barber services in Cardiff. We’re incredibly fortunate to have a loyal and supportive client base that keeps coming back to us, no matter the challenges we face. Our barbers Miles, Oz, Joe, Sophia and TJ, as well as our talented tattoo artist Lofty, continue to provide high-quality service to all of our customers.
Once the food hall opens and the arcade fills up with businesses again, we’re excited to start building our team back to what it once was. We have big plans for the future and can’t wait to get back to the bustling, energetic shop we were before the lockdown.
Join Our Team: Cardiff Barbers & Tattoo Artists Wanted
As we plan for the future and the reopening of the surrounding arcades, we’re also looking ahead to expanding our team. If you’re a talented barber or tattoo artist based in Cardiff, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you specialize in intricate tattoo designs or have a flair for modern and classic barbering styles, we’re always on the lookout for passionate professionals to join our family.
So, if you’re a skilled Cardiff barber or a creative Cardiff tattooist, and you’re looking to be part of a growing, supportive team, send us your CV and some photos of your work. We’re excited to connect with potential new team members who are as dedicated to their craft as we are.
Get in touch today.
Why Choose Us?
Whether you’re looking for a fresh haircut, a bold new tattoo, or simply want to support a local Cardiff business, SWYD is the place to be. Our talented and friendly team is committed to delivering top-notch services to every client that walks through our door. With years of experience, attention to detail, and a passion for the craft, we’ve built a reputation for providing some of the best barbering and tattoo services in Cardiff.
So, if you haven’t visited us in a while, now’s the perfect time to come by. We look forward to welcoming you back to our shop!
Contact Us Today
If you’d like to book an appointment with our barbers or tattoo artists, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help and always happy to chat about your ideas and how we can bring your vision to life. We also offer consultations for tattoos, so feel free to stop by and discuss any designs you have in mind.
We’ll keep you updated on all the exciting developments in High Street Arcade and look forward to serving you for many years to come!