Run by Graham Norman, with the support of his wife Sharon and their five children – daughters Paige and Chloe, and sons Kyle, Oliver, and Josh – it’s a true family business with deep roots in Crayford, just a short walk away.
“It’s not just a barbers,” Graham told the News Shopper. “I do ladies’ hair as well.”
The Crop Shop first opened its doors in 1990 after Graham, working in roofing at the time, spotted the empty premises and had a spark of inspiration.
He told the News Shopper: “I lost a bit of faith in hairdressing.
“I was driving past, saw the shop was empty and thought, ‘I wonder if that would make a good barbers’, and that was the start.”
For the past 35 years, Graham has been the steady face behind the chair, building a loyal customer base that spans generations.
“It’s just been Dad,” said daughter Paige.
“He’s had people come and go, Saturday girls or others taking a chair for a bit.
“But the customers all know Dad and that’s who they want cutting their hair.
“Anywhere we go, someone knows Dad.”
To mark 35 years in business, Graham’s daughter Chloe designed a mural outside the shop featuring real customers, celebrating the diversity of people Graham welcomes.
You can view Chloe’s portfolio here
“We collaborated together and used real customers as references,” said Chloe.
“A few of my clients have had cancer, or lost children through cancer,” he shared.
“I’ve done the London to Brighton bike ride, raised quite a bit for that. I even did a full head shave for parents and other families.”
Paige recalled a particularly touching event, and explained: “There was a little boy whose dad always came to Dad’s shop.
“The little boy had cancer and sadly passed away.
“Dad shaved the heads of about 20 people at a big charity event.”
Family involvement is at the heart of everything.
Paige started sweeping up hair at just seven-years-old, earning tips for making cups of tea.
Sharon manages the accounting, while Chloe, Kyle, Oliver and Josh also pitch in where needed.
“They all have a say in the shop and how it should be décor-wise,” Graham said.
Beyond cutting hair, Graham has given his time volunteering for seven years at a local hospice.
“I even offered to work Christmas Day,” he said.
His reputation for patience has also made him a trusted choice for families with children who have sensory needs.
For Graham, the real reward is simple: “Making people happy, I suppose. I’ve got some real good friends.”
And for those sitting in his chair? Paige summed it up best: “What happens in the chair stays in the chair.”
The reviews speak for themselves. One customer described Graham as one of the “best barbers he’s ever been to,” praising his understanding and support for individuals with Autism and ADHD.
Another shared that Graham had patiently earned the trust of her autistic toddler, who now enjoys a smart haircut.
The reviewer added, “He’s a true staple of the local community and an all-round lovely guy.”
Many of Graham’s customers have been coming to him for decades, with some families spanning four generations.
“When your clients are bringing their kids in, you can just flick back to when they were kids themselves,” Graham said.
The Crop Shop recently underwent a revamp during lockdown, refreshing its interiors with a new feature wall, reception area, and updated décor.
But the soul of the shop – and the loyal community around it – remains unchanged.
Lockdown also saw a shift in how Graham runs the business. “He’s always been walk-in only,” said Paige.
“But during Covid, he had to move to appointments and card payments – it was a big change.”
While some customers moved on during the pandemic, Graham said business has now bounced back. “There was a dip at first, but it’s all built back up now.”
The Crop Shop remains a treasured part of the Erith community – a place where good haircuts come with even better conversation.
