Bermuda is set to get a new shoe-shine business for the first time in decades when Wayne Outerbridge sets up his business at the back of Dodd's Barber Shop.

The business, which could open up as early as next Monday, will offer a shoe-shine service for $5 at the barber store on the top level of Washington Mall.

“There has not been a shoe-shiner on the Island for a long time,” said Mr. Outerbridge. “Not that I can remember, so the last one must have been in the 1970s.”

Mr. Outerbridge is being trained by Rev. James Todd who, now well into his 80s, will pass on the secrets of his former trade to Mr. Outerbridge.

“It is not as easy as just cleaning shoes,” said Mr. Outerbridge, wearing spectacularly shiny black shoes. “There are tricks of the trade and it important how you get on with the customers.”

But that will not be a problem for Mr. Outerbridge, who has been winning over customers in the hospitality trade for years.

Mr. Outerbridge was one of 25 people who answered an advert placed in The Royal Gazette by Phil Jarman, who runs Dodd's Barber Shop.

“We were overwhelmed by the response,” said Mr. Jarman. “We had so many people applying - and we were not sure what kind of response we would get.

“But it is important to get the right person. The patter is important, getting along with the customers - as well as doing a good job.”

Mr. Outerbridge said that he was amazed to see the advert, as he himself had thought that a shoe-shine business would be a money-spinner and was about to look into it himself.

“So it was really good to speak to Phil, and we had the same idea about doing the same thing.”

As a result, Mr. Outerbridge will run his own business, leasing space from Dodd's with an area to ply his trade in the back of the small shop

“We were looking at how to get more people into the store,” said Mr. Jarman.

“And as many of our customers are from the US or Canada or used to travelling there, we found that there was a desire for somewhere to get their shoes shined.

“A lot of people laughed at us to start with, but others have thought it was a great idea.”

Mr. Jarman said that one of his customers, a boss at an international company, was so taken by the idea, that he e-mailed his friends to tell them about it, and they e-mailed their friends.

“So we have had lots of calls coming in asking whether it has started yet, and we are looking forward to the day when we can offer our customers that little bit more.”

Dodd's has just installed a new complimentary coffee machine and is set to put in a new cable service featuring sports and music.

“There will be no soaps, and absolutely no Springer allowed,” he laughed. “We want our customers to relax and enjoy coming in to get their hair cut.

“Getting a shoe-shine will add to that. It is a bit like a modern-day manicure for a man. You can come in, have your hair cut and your shoes shined and it will give everyone a little lift. It is great feeling to walk out of a shop like that. You feel like a million dollars. It is a way of spoiling yourself.”

Dodd's will be offering the shoe-shine service for free for the first week or so, and then the cost will be $5 a shine, which will take anywhere between six and 15 minutes. Shoes dropped off will get a special discount, and will be about $3 a pair.

“I am really looking forward to starting,” said Mr. Outerbridge. “I think it will be a great business, and is really needed. Like all things, you really have to want to do it to make it a success, and I want to be a success and will put my back into the job.”

While both men have given the enterprise six months to take off, they are aware that they could be overwhelmed by demand for the service.

“I have kept all the names of the 25 applicants, in case we need to get someone else in,” said Mr. Jarman. “And there will be space at the back for a second chair.”

Mr. Outerbridge said that if it was that busy, he would be delighted. “And we can still make sure that everyone gets good service.”