Determined to propel the men’s grooming category to new heights, The Art of Shaving continues the full-scale expansion of its retail division in 2008 making it the world’s first chain of specialty stores dedicated to men’s shaving. The brand widely known for introducing the world to the men’s shaving store concept in 1996 will grow steadily and aggressively with 15 new locations opening this year and another 15 planned for 2009.

“With over 40 stores across the US, we estimate the recruitment of over 500,000 new customers by the end of 2008” says CEO and Co-Founder Eric Malka. “Our goal is to introduce ‘The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave’ to men all across America.” The brand that currently owns and operates 26 shops in major US cities, such as Atlanta, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Boston, Denver, Dallas, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Seattle, and Philadelphia predicts having 50+ locations by the end of 2009.

This year, The Art of Shaving will solidify its penetration of Southern California with two new locations while unveiling premier locations in Missouri and North Carolina. In addition, the brand will open its largest shop to date, a flagship with a full Barber Spa® at Union Station in Downtown Washington, D.C.. About 1 out of 10 of The Art of Shaving’s new locations will incorporate a Barber Spa, the brand’s unique concept that combines aromatherapy skin treatments with traditional barber
services in the luxury of a masculine salon-like setting.

The Art of Shaving Shops offer the brand’s entire collection of natural products and handcrafted grooming accessories exclusively. This includes an extensive assortment of aromatherapy-based shaving products blended for individual skin types, as well as, a complete line of skincare, hair care, and body care products. To complete the grooming experience, The Art of Shaving offers a full line of fine shaving accessories, all handcrafted in luxurious materials, and designed to provide optimal results.

In keeping with the brand’s philosophy of educating the consumer, all of its locations are staffed with a friendly team of Shaving Specialists trained to offer advice on grooming techniques, as well as, tips on how to prevent and relieve shaving discomforts such as ingrown hairs, razor burn, tough beard, and skin irritation.

The Art of Shaving’s Chief Creative Officer and co-founder, Myriam Zaoui, is responsible for all aspects of store design and has developed two unique retail concepts for the national roll out. “I use classic dark wood fixtures, luxurious trimmings, and warm colors to create a masculine environment where the modern gentleman will feel comfortable fulfilling his grooming needs” she explains. The brand's satellite store concept averages 500 sq. ft. and offers The Art of Shaving’s entire collection of natural products and handcrafted grooming accessories. The brand’s larger “Shop & Barber Spa” concept
averages 1000 sq. ft. and includes a retail area plus an adjoining Barber Spa.