Barber sets up The Men's Emporium in Taihape

Sherman Page, Taihape's new barber, aims to get ahead by keeping it simple.

Sherman Page has just set up a new barber shop in Taihape.

His shop, called The Men's Emporium, is small and snug and invites blokes to drop in and enjoy a good trim and chat.

Mr Page's former barber shop was in Ridgway St in Wanganui which was also a great situation except the rent went up, he said.

Even though he's a well-known guitarist in Whanganui and heads a blues band called "Sherminator", he said his music would not suffer because he would still travel for gigs.

"It's not too far and we love our music.''

In his barber shop he has just one chair and keeps it "simple". He also sells interesting old watches and a few other eccentric jewellery-type knick-knacks.

Mr Page said although he loved Whanganui he was settling very well into Taihape.

"Being the only barber in town helps," he said.