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Altadena Walmart: Steppe's Barber Shop welcomes new neighbor

Brian Micheall cuts Justin Smith's hair at the 40-year-old Steppe's Barber Shoppe in Altadena, Calif. Mitchell is excited for the Walmart Neighborhood Market because he thinks it could help revitalize the neighborhood.
Brian Micheall cuts Justin Smith's hair at the 40-year-old Steppe's Barber Shoppe in Altadena, Calif. Micheall is excited for the Walmart Neighborhood Market because he thinks it could help revitalize the neighborhood.
(
Mae Ryan/KPCC
)

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This story is part of a series on the disruptions to local small businesses expected in the community of Altadena when a new Walmart Neighborhood Market opens next year. To read the rest of the series, check out the links at the end of this story.

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Chances are, it’s already been discussed at Steppe's Barber Shop, an Altadena institution on Lincoln Avenue. It’s common to see clients talking about sports, politics and community news while jazz music fills the air.

“If you want to know something, come to the barber shop,” said employee Brian Micheall. “It’s an information center.”

The business opened more than 40 years ago, owned by the Steppe family.

Micheall joined the staff a few years ago, after he moved to Southern California from North Carolina.

Haircuts at Steppe's are $15 and beard trims are $7.

Micheall found out about the Walmart Neighborhood Market opening down the street from his customers. He thinks the Walmart will bring in more traffic to his store.

“I think it will do more helping than hurting,” Micheall said.

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