2 weeks Ago
A barber will be hanging up his clippers for the final time in March after being in the trade for more than three decades. Nino Gioia, 54, who has owned Nino’s Barbers in Ramsbottom for 36 years, has decided to hand over the keys to fulfil a dream of going travelling with his wife Christine. David Thomas, who has worked at the Bolton Road West business on and off for a year will be taking the reins, and in Nino’s words will make it “bigger and better”.
Nino said: “I think the time’s come after 36 years in business . “I’m gutted that I’m going but sometimes you’ve got to do what’s right for you, yourself and the business. “Me and my wife Christine are going to go travelling around Europe in March as it’s something we’ve always wanted to do.
” After having a few health scares, the couple have decided that they want to do things they enjoy while they can and while the business is strong. Nino added: “It’s a bit sad to be leaving because I’ve seen kids grow up, turn into parents and then grandparents. “It is sad but there’s got to be a cut-off point and a certain time where it’s yours and your wife’s time.
“As much as I’d love to carry it on, I think the time has come now for us to enjoy ourselves. “I’m leaving the business in good hands, and I wouldn’t let just anyone take over.” Nino said the premises used to be his family home.
His parents came to England and bought the house in 1969, before Nino was born the following year. He later bought the house off his parents and set up the shop. He said: “Everyone said at the time I was crazy doing something like this, but the more they said I shouldn’t do it, I had to prove them all wrong.
“That’s how it all came about so I turned it into what it is.” Nino added: “The majority of customers have said they’re gutted as a lot have been with me through thick and thin, but they’re saying it’s the right thing to do. “It will be onwards and upwards with David.
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