Welcoming a new WSB sponsor: Budget Cuts (with a special!)

Back in July, we told you Budget Cuts was one of two tenants signed for Charlestown Center, which is now open at the California/Charlestown (map) ex-Schuck’s site. Budget Cuts just celebrated its grand opening last week, and today, we’re welcoming them as one of the newest WSB sponsors. As always, we offer new sponsors the chance to share information about their business, so here’s what Budget Cuts wants you to know: Co-owner Michael Zillinger, who is also a manager at BMW of Seattle, lives downtown but realized he was always coming to West Seattle to get his hair cut by Tram Luu (photo left), who was managing Supercuts in Jefferson Square but is now managing Budget Cuts at Charlestown Center. When Michael and his business partner Mauricio Gonzales got the idea to start a haircut store, they knew they wanted Tram to manage it – and she told them she was interested as long as it was located in West Seattle. So they settled on West Seattle and built the business around her. Michael says the location makes sense because they saw a need for this type of service along the higher-density northern half of California SW – lots of families, and Budget Cuts wants to be considered a family-friendly business. They are also working to support West Seattle’s business community by relying on WS sources for all their “business services” so far – they want to keep their money in the neighborhood, and will be a major sponsor of the Lafayette Elementary School Walk-A-Thon coming up October 17th (you’ll see them on the T-shirt!). Right now, they’re offering a special price in honor of their Grand Opening — all cuts are $10 until October 31st, after which it’ll be $13.95 (women, men, or kids). No appointment necessary. Budget Cuts is on the east side of Charlestown Center, which is on the northwest corner of California/Charlestown, 206/932-5954. Thanks to Budget Cuts and all our WSB sponsors, listed here along with info on how to join them.

cruiser October 10, 2008 (12:05 pm)

Nice one and good luck to you. No doubt you’ll be selling more hair cuts than BMW’s in this market:)

AlkiDebbie October 10, 2008 (1:57 pm)

Tram is the best stylist in the world. You go girl!

Joe Shmo October 10, 2008 (11:33 pm)

Hate to say it, cause the lady looks like a nice person, but does West Seattle really need another hair shop. Especially one called “budget cuts”. Just get the feeling that “budget cuts” cheapens the neighborhood.

Honestly, I think I’d rather see a dollar store or a money tree show up in that space. Oh wait, how about a payless shoe source, or a taco bell. Wait, even better, how about a nail shop with pretty neon. That would be even cooler!

justme October 11, 2008 (9:41 am)

Personally I’m disappointed in what’s going in that space too. And the name, Budget Cuts? How ghetto is that? And what the heck is “Hammer Strength?” I was looking forward to having a nice little place to walk to but this is as bad as having another insurance agency or real estate office. Oh, and BORING too! I have friends with hair style salons in town and these kinds of hair places are a joke compared to those!

Ms Pam October 11, 2008 (9:49 am)

To all of you hair salon snobs, glad that you can justify paying $50 or so for a haircut. If you can afford to throw your money around like that “go for it!”, however, some of us have more important ways to spend our money than that and I for one applaud the opening of Budget Cuts. Most of the time I only I only get a trim anyway and find it overpriced to pay over $50 +. I would rather put the savings into my gas tank, food on the table or towards my electric bill.

YAY Budget cuts! See you soon…

WSB October 11, 2008 (9:52 am)

Justme, the folks at Budget Cuts told us they are very clear about the fact they are NOT a salon. They offer cuts, color, and wax services. This is why you don’t see the word “salon” in the post above – but rather “haircut store.” Just to clarify for anyone who thinks they are trying to compete. Many fields have multiple categories of service providers at multiple price points – TR

GenHillOne October 11, 2008 (3:06 pm)

“ghetto” – nice justme, now THAT’s tacky. And btw, Hammer Strength is part of Anytime Fitness, the new gym that is going in. It will be open 24/7 and is not huge, but the right size to service the nearby neighborhood which appears to be their business model – if you bothered to look them up online. I for one, would NOT prefer a dollar store or payday loans. In general, the building turned out better than I had expected, and certainly an improvement over the burnt shell. Just keep on walking justme if it’s not your cup of tea.

Eric B October 11, 2008 (9:31 pm)

My daughter and I got very nice cuts this morning … not styles, but a simple “bit off the top.” It was relatively quick and we walked out not too much poorer.

que October 17, 2008 (1:12 pm)

I took my daughter in and got her a trim and she looks great. No muss, no fuss, no appointment, in and out quickly and cheaply. No tears. (which is not always true) They did a nice job. (need a better name, but that is another issue entirely)

davis November 3, 2008 (6:04 pm)

I have been getting my haircut by tram, now of budget cuts, for a few years now. She is incredibly talented at cutting hair. I would recommend her to anyone. Be glad it is not a chain going in there and support your local businesses. Don’t get caught up in a name or the idea that budget means anything negative. If you want to have some fancy pants name or trendy shop open it yourselves. Try out the place before you pass judgement!

John November 11, 2008 (4:10 pm)

Um, I think the “Budget Cuts” name might be a bit tongue-in-cheek, but apparently it went over your head. Get it…budget cuts? I’m going to go check them out.

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