Barber reaches 20-year mark in Lombard

LOMBARD – Little has changed over the past two decades at M.E.N.S. Esquire Barbershop in Lombard, and for owner Markus Nigg, that's the way it should be.

"Down to its core, a barbershop is a barbershop," Nigg said Wednesday morning. "Sports change, politics change – the barbershop is just a capsule in time where whatever goes on in the world gets discussed. Right now, it's the World Cup."

The shop, at 22. W. St. Charles Road, specializes in haircuts, beard trims and shaves. Last month, Nigg celebrated his 20th year cutting hair in downtown Lombard.

Nigg purchased the business on May 1, 1994. It was previously located across the street at 17 W. St. Charles Road.

"It had been a barbershop since 1928 that started next to the DuPage Theater," he said.

Twelve years ago, Nigg moved the business to its current location because it offered a bigger shop, as well as better natural light and customer parking.

Nigg, originally from Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, grew up in a barbershop.

"My dad owned a beauty shop and a barber shop," Nigg said. "I was always around it. I was raised sweeping up hair."

Nigg was formally trained during an apprenticeship in Switzerland. At 20 years old, after earning his degree, he decided to move to the United States. His first stop: Concordia University in River Forest to learn English.

"The reason I wanted to learn English was so that I could understand CNN and BBC," Nigg said of his motivation. "These are broadcasting stations that give you the whole world's news, and I couldn't understand it. That was my big drive."

Following a six-month stint traveling the country, Nigg settled in the Chicago area, where he met his wife and opened his own business. The barbershop, which features chairs from the 1920s and a vintage barbershop pole outside, is "about as old-school as you're going to get," Nigg said.

Situated along St. Charles Road, just west of Main Street, Nigg said the location is perfect and added that he considers the barbershop an anchor store in the village's downtown.

"People come here to find out what's new in Lombard," he said.

_ _ _ _ _

About Esquire

Location: 22. W. St. Charles Road, Lombard

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday

More info: www.mensesquire.com or 630-495-2722