New Men's Salon to Open in Glenview

The following is from 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons:

Gentlemen, say hello to your new best friend.

18|8 Fine Men’s Salons, renowned for its distinctive collection of upscale men’s services offered at moderate prices, announced today that it has signed an agreement with local Chicago-area resident Ashim (Ash) Seth to open an 18|8 salon at the Glenbrook Marketplace on the Northeast corner of Pfingsten and Willow.

There are currently 15 18|8 Fine Men’s salons in five states with dozens of additional franchise units under development across the nation.

“We are upping the style game here in Chicago and Glenbrook Marketplace is just the place for us to introduce the concept,” said Seth who lives in Libertyville, Ill., and is director and senior consultant at a local management consulting firm. “There is nothing like 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons locally. When men walk into our stylish, modern facility, they will quickly realize this is not an ordinary hair salon, but a sanctuary – a retreat from the outside world. It is a one-of-a-kind place where men can feel comfortable enjoying our collection of premium services.”

Seth brings to 18|8 a strong background in management and human resource consulting, having spent much of his professional career applying his global experience as a human resources and corporate services professional to making businesses run smoothly, understanding customers’ needs better and marketing products efficiently.

The new 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons in Glenview will channel the essence of cool confidence directly to its discerning clientele. Leaving men looking their best – and feeling even better – 18|8 offers men the same transformative effect from which the name 18|8 comes. Team members at 18|8 are trained to take the time to learn about clients, their personalities and special needs, and then caters services to mirror their lifestyle choices.

At 18|8, men can relax in the brand’s signature lounge area before their grooming services, which range from cuts and styling (modern and classic) to straight edge hot lather shaves, facials, massages, scalp treatments and more. Customers may even purchase memberships that provide member perks such as complimentary clean-ups and other bonus grooming services.

“Ash is exactly the right person to grow the brand in Illinois,” said Scott Griffiths, founder and CEO of 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons. “His business experience is outstanding. He recognizes that there is an unfilled niche locally and a strong demand for this salon brand.”

Griffiths, who launched 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons in 2002, has a track record of creating breakthrough brands. Given his company’s successes during the past decade, he recently began franchising 18|8, sharing the opportunity for driven entrepreneurs such as Ash Seth to become part of its growth. Griffiths is a recognized marketing and branding trendsetter who has created and built industry-leading companies across several sectors, including within the salon segment. He has cast his golden touch on the cruise industry with Crystal Cruises, the luxury communications industry with Vertu and the hair care industry, recently as the creator of the brand Mitch for Men from Paul Mitchell.

About 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons

Claiming its name from the original formula for stainless steel, 18% chromium + 8% nickel added to steel, 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons offers its clients that same transformative effect – improving both look and performance. Since launching in 2002, 18|8 has established itself as the only men’s salon catering to a discerning clientele with an upscale suite of hair care and grooming services. To learn more about 18|8’s services, visit www.eighteeneight.com. For information on the 18|8 franchise opportunity, e-mail scott@eighteeneight.com, call (949) 290-6431, and visit www.eighteeneight.com, or www.eighteeneightfranchise.com.