EVERETT — Shirley Poulin is hanging on — a scissors’ edge from her “what now” moment.
She’s owned the Rock &Roll Hair Salon on Everett Mall Way for 13 years, and she’s weathered recessions before. But this one left the business struggling to catch its breath.
In July, neighbors up and down Everett Mall Way chipped in to help Poulin, donating prizes for a giveaway contest for customers. The rules were this simple: Refer a customer, have your name entered.
The referral contest ended last week, with one customer winning $1,000 in prizes. Other contestants took home smaller denominations from businesses such as Alfy’s Pizza, Maly’s Beauty Supply, Tefft Cellars winery and Regal Cinemas.
In some ways, the contest served its purpose.
“It sure got people motivated to refer us people,” Poulin said.
But most of the referrals didn’t have the kind of lasting power that would mean a more solid future of the business.
“I ended up getting one full-time (repeat) customer,” she said.
That means not much has changed for Poulin and her salon, still poised on the brink of closing its doors. She’s rented one of two empty chairs, which helps a little. But it’ll take more than that to put her business back to where it was before the economy tanked in 2008.
Poulin, who runs the business with her daughter Marilyn Paulson, said she was reading about the odds of owning a small business that survives — odds that get even tougher in a down economy.
Most don’t survive past year two.
“With us, it’s been 13 years,” she said, her eyes tearing up. “I guess it’s still a blessing that we’re still open.”
But Poulin isn’t ready to call it quits just yet. She’s dreaming up other promotional events that could help bring customers in. She’s started selling crystal jewelry in the salon in an attempt to bring in some extra cash flow.
The salon, decked out 1950s memorabilia, sports Elvis Presley pictures on one wall and Marilyn Monroe images on another. There’s wall space for 1959 Cadillacs and a spot for James Dean.
A Wurlitzer jukebox squats near the center of the salon, but it’s not working. Maybe this year it will get repaired.
“Lucky 13,” Poulin said. “We’re hoping things will turn.”
Read Amy Rolph’s small-business blog at www.heraldnet.com/TheStorefront. Contact her at 425-339-3029 or arolph@heraldnet.com.
Rock &Roll Hair Salon
20 SW Everett Mall Way, Everett
425-347-4200
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