Last week, the signs on the windows of Hair Shoppe said it all: “Due to the Economy — Close Oct. 16,” “40 % off all Hair Products.” 

Inside, boxes everywhere were filled with shampoos and conditioners. There were missing mirrors and chairs where clients used to sit for their regular hairdos. And, on the right-hand side of the shop was a desk where Anita Bon, 61, owner of Hair Shoppe, greeted her clients as they came in. 

After a 17-year run on Bainbridge Avenue, near the corner of East 205th Street, Bon was closing up Shoppe.

“It was blast while it lasted,” said Bon, smiling.

Since 1969, Bon has been a hairdresser in various Bronx hair salons.  In 1993, she decided to start a place of her own and took over management at Hair Shoppe. 

For years, business was good. She had loyal customers coming in for their regular haircuts, trims and colorings. With five hairdressers on staff, Bon served everyone who came through her door. 

But things took a sharp turn, Bon said, when the economy dipped and two devastating fires late last year (see cover story) decreased local foot traffic. Plus, “the rent got too high,” said Bon.

Bon said the loss of the nearby supermarket, Foodtown, which burned down in a fire last Dec. 21, was the beginning of the end for her business.

When people went to Foodtown to buy groceries, Bon said they would stop by the salon to get their hair fixed.  But without the supermarket, Bon said the customers dried up. She tried placing ads in newspapers and discounting haircuts and products. Nothing seemed to work. 

“I’m so sorry to see her go,” said Svetlana Jekova, 41, one of Bon’s longtime customers, as she sat on the last chair left in the deserted hair salon.

“I put my heart and soul into this,” Bon said. “I thought it would get better.  But I know I am not the only one [suffering].”

Bon doesn’t know what is going to happen next.  Maybe in a few years, she will open another hair salon or just simply retire.  Regardless, she said she is going to walk out of her salon with her head held high.