All Star Kutz, a basketball-themed barbershop currently located on the lower level of White Oaks Mall, is moving to a new location. Saturday, June 8 will be the first day of business at 2504 S. MacArthur Blvd. in Springfield. All Star Kutz will occupy a 4,000 square foot suite adjacent to Ace Bicycle Shop that formerly housed a sewing business.

The interior has been transformed to keep with the sports theme, and owner Audrey Austin says she intends to offer dart leagues and pool tournaments, in addition to haircuts for men and women. She hopes the new location will bring increased visibility and traffic from all parts of town.

“When Bergner’s closed, it cut off our entryway. People have to walk all the way around to get to us,” Austin explained, referring to the current location in the mall. She also said she sees the MacArthur location as having the ability to attract clientele from any part of town. “People from the east side and west side will both come to MacArthur. We want to service all genres, not just African-Americans.”

There are currently nine barbers on staff, and Austin said the new location will have room for up to 12. The business will also have a retail component, and in addition to hair care products, Austin said she is now an affiliate for American Shaman CBD and will offer its products.

Austin also owns All Star Kutz II in St. Clair Square mall in Fairview Heights and Illini Fadez in the heart of the University of Illinois campus in Champaign. She was profiled in the July 2018 issue of SBJ.