Why Belmont Barber Chairs Are Collectible
Why Belmont Barber Chairs Are Collectible
There are a handful of barber shops that cater to the nostalgic types, and antique Belmont barber chairs are often the focal point of these places. The reason why they are popular among collectors is because of their rich history. Even though the company behind them, Takara Belmont is still in existence today, the early models produced are as dependable as their modern counterparts. Indeed, Takara has come a long way. From its humble beginnings in Japan up to being the world's leading dental and barber equipment manufacturer, the company never forgot its roots. In 2011, it released its Koken Legacy line as a tribute to its former competitor. Both manufacturers had a fascinating rivalry, which we will learn in this article.
Belmont barber chairs began in the 30's. They were built and designed by Hidenobu Yoshikawa who also founded Takara Chuzo Ltd. in 1921. In the 1950's, the company expanded into other markets around the world. It's first order of business - set up shop in New York. Thus, Takara Company NY Inc. was born. It marked the first instance of a foreign entity entering into an already established barber supply industry in the United States. Notable market leaders at that time include Koken Barber's Supply Company and Emil J. Paidar Company. Both manufacturers were competing for more market share, with Paidar already having 70% of the market. Koken, on the other hand had a niche in that it has patents for groundbreaking enhancements, such as the hydraulic lift.
Takara Belmont's entry into the local scene wasn't particularly well received. First, the company priced Belmont barber chairs [http://oldbarberchairs.webs.com] significantly lower than its competitors. They were similar to the Paidars or the Kokens in terms of purpose but were reasonably less expensive. As a result, many customers shifted to the new brand. Second, salons were rising and a new hair style was in demand. Barbers weren't prepared to cater to the new type of clientele. In spite of this, Takara managed to meet their needs.
Meanwhile, local players thought that competition was unjust. They filed a complaint against Takara in an attempt to cut down the opposition. Suffice to say, the authorities couldn't see anything improper and the case was dropped. In the years that followed, Koken was eventually sold Takara Belmont. On top of that, Emil J. Paidar lost nearly all of its market share to the Japanese company.
These days, Belmont barber chairs reign over modern salons and barber shops all over the world. The early units that the company produced nearly a hundred years ago can sell for several hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
There are a handful of barber shops that cater to the nostalgic types, and antique Belmont barber chairs are often the focal point of these places. The reason why they are popular among collectors is because of their rich history. Even though the company behind them, Takara Belmont is still in existence today, the early models produced are as dependable as their modern counterparts. Indeed, Takara has come a long way. From its humble beginnings in Japan up to being the world's leading dental and barber equipment manufacturer, the company never forgot its roots. In 2011, it released its Koken Legacy line as a tribute to its former competitor. Both manufacturers had a fascinating rivalry, which we will learn in this article.
Belmont barber chairs began in the 30's. They were built and designed by Hidenobu Yoshikawa who also founded Takara Chuzo Ltd. in 1921. In the 1950's, the company expanded into other markets around the world. It's first order of business - set up shop in New York. Thus, Takara Company NY Inc. was born. It marked the first instance of a foreign entity entering into an already established barber supply industry in the United States. Notable market leaders at that time include Koken Barber's Supply Company and Emil J. Paidar Company. Both manufacturers were competing for more market share, with Paidar already having 70% of the market. Koken, on the other hand had a niche in that it has patents for groundbreaking enhancements, such as the hydraulic lift.
Takara Belmont's entry into the local scene wasn't particularly well received. First, the company priced Belmont barber chairs [http://oldbarberchairs.webs.com] significantly lower than its competitors. They were similar to the Paidars or the Kokens in terms of purpose but were reasonably less expensive. As a result, many customers shifted to the new brand. Second, salons were rising and a new hair style was in demand. Barbers weren't prepared to cater to the new type of clientele. In spite of this, Takara managed to meet their needs.
Meanwhile, local players thought that competition was unjust. They filed a complaint against Takara in an attempt to cut down the opposition. Suffice to say, the authorities couldn't see anything improper and the case was dropped. In the years that followed, Koken was eventually sold Takara Belmont. On top of that, Emil J. Paidar lost nearly all of its market share to the Japanese company.
These days, Belmont barber chairs reign over modern salons and barber shops all over the world. The early units that the company produced nearly a hundred years ago can sell for several hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
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