THE TOMMY GUN’S EXPERIENCE

By Louise May

Tommy Gun’s was founded in 2009 in Alberta, Canada, and reached Australian shores in 2015. Tommy Gun’s is on a mission to redefine the traditional barbershop experience. They quickly became known for blending old-school grooming values with modern convenience and style.

The brand expanded rapidly across Canada and Australia, where it’s been embraced for its distinctive customer service, signature services, and tech-driven approach. Over time, Tommy Gun’s has evolved into a globally recognised name, with a focus on delivering epic confidence to every customer through an elevated grooming experience.

Editor Louise May chats with Luke Wightman, Managing Director and Owner of 6 Tommy Gun’s locations, to uncover what sets the brand apart—from the signature guest experience to their forward-thinking education approach—and how their partnership with Shortcuts salon software continues to power their national growth and client satisfaction.

How many stores are there? And how many are currently operating across Australia, and are there plans for further expansion in the future?

Tommy Gun’s has over 90 stores across Canada, Australia, America and New Zealand. There are 13 Australian stores (soon to be 14), and 2 in New Zealand.

Expansion plans for the Australian market are in full swing, with the newest site set to open on May 24th!

The brand’s ongoing expansion strategy includes reaching new urban hubs and regional areas, with a clear focus on maintaining service quality and a consistent customer journey. Continued growth, both nationally and globally, remains a core part of Tommy Gun’s longterm vision.

What makes the in-store experience at Tommy Gun’s unique compared to other barbershops?

The Tommy Gun’s experience is designed to be elevated from the moment a guest walks in. Customers are greeted with digital selfcheck-in kiosks, complimentary beverages, in-mirror TVs with remotes and hot towel finishes—all included with each service. The barbers are highly trained and supported, and every part of the visit is tailored to make the customer feel valued and confident! It’s this combination of premium service, convenience, and atmosphere that sets us apart.

How does Tommy Gun’s approach education and upskilling for barbers across your network?

Education is central to our success. Tommy Gun’s has a dedicated National Barber Educator who oversees technical training, product knowledge, and Head Barber workshops. Barbers receive ongoing support and are equipped with the latest techniques in cutting, styling, and grooming. We believe that by investing in our team, we’re investing in the customer experience, and we ensure that learning is part of every career stage within the business.

Are there in-house education programs or external training partnerships that help develop your team’s skills?

Yes, Tommy Gun’s offers comprehensive inhouse education programs led by internal educators. These programs cover everything from core barbering techniques to advanced styling and retail strategies. While we prioritise internal development to maintain consistency across the brand, we also stay informed of industry trends and bring in external educators for specialised training. We partner up with the industry’s leading brands, developing strong relationships with them over the years and are frequently hosting training sessions with them!

Why did Tommy Gun’s choose Shortcuts salon software for the business, and how has it supported the operational goals?

Tommy Gun’s chose Shortcuts because it aligns perfectly with our operational needs and growth model. The platform supports multi-location management, staff scheduling, inventory control, and customer relationship tools—all in one system. It gives us the flexibility and efficiency we need to maintain consistency across all stores while delivering a top-tier customer experience.

What specific features of Shortcuts salon software have been most beneficial in managing daily operations across the barbershop locations?

Shortcuts’ POS integration, digital check-in capabilities, and real-time reporting are some of the most valuable features. These tools enable our team to manage queues effectively, track customer flow, monitor performance, and ensure the shop floor runs smoothly. For management, the ability to access KPIs and operational data from anywhere has made a huge impact in decision-making and day-to-day efficiency.

How does the integration of Shortcuts software enhance the client experience, particularly regarding appointment scheduling and check-ins?

While Tommy Gun’s operates on a walk-in model rather than traditional appointments, the Shortcuts software is pivotal in managing check-ins and the queue. Customers can check in at-store with our Front of House team, via touchscreen kiosks or remotely through our app, which provides estimated wait times.

The Shortcuts software allows our Front of House teams to manage and balance the queue of customers with precision to maximise efficiency. This streamlined process not only enhances convenience but also reduces wait times and improves overall satisfaction.

How do the marketing features within Shortcuts, such as automated emails and promotions, contribute to client retention and engagement?

Shortcuts allows us to get to know our customers better! Whether it be their regular barber, how often they visit and even what drink they like! All these little data points give us the ability to improve the customer experience and

Shortcuts’ marketing suite allows us to stay connected with our customers through automated emails, birthday offers, and service reminders. These personalised communications help drive repeat visits, strengthen brand loyalty, and encourage upsells. Promotions can be tailored and tracked easily, enabling us to respond quickly to customer behaviour and market trends, ultimately boosting client retention.

@tommygunsaus @shortcutssoftware