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"We struggled for several years until around 2009, after we opened our third salon;
then we started to see the light," he said. "One by one, I borrowed from Redstone."
Ip has strategically opened his salons within a 10- to 15-minute drive from each
other to leverage salon resources and build visibility and brand power, as well as
customer convenience.
"We focus on haircuts and styling. We don't do fancy stuff like hair color, nails or
eyebrows," he said.
Most cuts are around $14, and the salons are open seven days a week. He said about 60
percent of Great Clips' customers are men, 30 percent are women and 10 percent are
children. A mobile app allows customers to check in before arrival.
Today, Ip owns 14 of the 19 Great Clips located in North Alabama. His newest salon is set
to open in the Shops at Pine Grove on Wall Triana Highway in Harvest.
Because of his relationship with Redstone, he said, when he sees an opportunity to develop
a new salon, he can jump on it.
"I joke with them because after all of the money I have deposited into Redstone over the
years, it seems like the money I borrow now is my own money," Ip said. "And if they haven't
seen me in a while, they will call."
Ip appreciates the relationship.
"I plan to continue to develop the business and continue to grow," he said. "We should have
at least two more locations open in the next two years."
Allan Ip with his team at one of his Madison stores.
