NEWBURYPORT – Banter Barber and Clothier, a popular shop on upper State Street, has for several years catered to men, cutting their hair, trimming beards and offering upscale clothing.
But it has become so much more. Its feel, which owner Eric Eramo strived for, is that of a men’s social club where the males of the species can gather to see old friends and make new ones. And true to its name, it is a place to talk.
Now owner Eric Eramo has added high-end whiskeys and specialty cocktails to the menu, as well as handing out free beer and wine.
And this week for his clients, who are too busy or forgetful to take care of their Valentine, he has partnered with Cate Adamopoulos, owner of The Hive, a year-old floral gift shop, also on State Street, to make sure his customers don’t go home empty handed.
“We are all about the full experience,” said Eramo, who learned customer service from his parents, Ginny Eramo, owner of the highly successful INTERLOCKS Salon on Merrimac Street, and father, Tom Eramo, who owned Visions, a beauty products supply distribution company, for almost three decades.
Adamopoulos fulfilled a dream last March when she opened The Hive. Not a newcomer to the Newburyport retail scene, she worked for John Farley Clothier before deciding she wanted to open her own shop.
“I always wanted to have my own shop in Newburyport,” Adamopoulos said.
When the space at 70 State Street came open, she jumped at the chance to sell books, soaps and candles as well as beautiful floral bouquets. She is excited that The Hive found a home among the shops on upper State Street, where many of the shops are owned by young entrepreneurs.
“There’s a really good vibe here,” she said. The shop owners work well together, promoting one another. “That’s how a city succeeds,” she said.
Adamopoulos had known the Eramos family from her previous work in Newburyport retail and fell easily into working with Banter on a Valentine’s Day promotion.
Since opening three years ago, Banter at 80 State St. has thrived, and just this month it added a fifth barber. The hair is cut from head shaves to long hair scissors cut in four chairs in the back, while the front has a pool table and backgammon game and rows of Greyson, Marine Layer and Faherty clothing.
The drinks are made by a bartender nicknamed Bart for the Bartesian cocktail maker that produces perfectly blended drinks.
For Valentine’s, if you need a haircut and bouquet for Valentine’s, stop for a little Banter. ©
