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Wiggins Barber Shop is a staple for men’s haircuts in this community and has remained in the same location since it first opened on Feb. 29, 1944, in downtown Andalusia.

Purvis Gilmer was the shop’s original owner before Henry Wiggins joined in 1956 and purchased the shop in 1973. Robin Veasey, who came on board in 1998, became the third owner in 2008 and left the previous name intact.

“It is a very big accomplishment and hard to believe we have been in operation for 80 years now. There is a lot of history here with all the antiques, the original chairs, the Coke machine that was updated in 1956, and the old Lance jars,” Veasey said.

Wiggins does not take appointments and only accepts walk-ins with approximately 300 customers each week. Veasey has three additional women on her staff: Lindsay Scriven, Victoria Hamrac, and Ciji Bowers.

“Our clients like the old-fashioned barber shop and help us stay busy. We are steadily growing because of Google and walk-ins for men’s cuts. We do neck shaves with straight razors. While the majority of our clients are men, Lindsay, Victoria, and Ciji will occasionally have women stop in for their haircut,” she said.

Veasey added that it was a dream of hers to cut hair for a living.

“I went to barbering school and thought I wanted to cut men’s and women’s hair. When I heard Mr. Wiggins was looking for help, I fell in love and developed a passion for only men’s cuts. Men are easier to please, and it’s a better environment for me.”

She expressed gratitude to those in the community who have helped the shop reach this milestone.

“The support we have received is fantastic. Being in the same location for 80 years is a big accomplishment, and I have kept it up for the last 16 years. I love what I do and take pride in serving as only the third owner of our historical shop,” Veasey said.

Wiggins Barber Shop is located at 103 South Cotton Street in Andalusia. For more information call 334-222-5050.