Barberino’s Raises the Bar: Italian Grooming House Powers U.S. Growth with $1.2M Investment and NYC Expansion
Source: Barberino's
Reported By: Matthew Kennedy
Italian Heritage, American Momentum
Just over a year since setting foot on U.S. soil, Barberino’s—Italy’s premier luxury grooming brand—is proving that old-world craftsmanship and modern business savvy are a powerful pairing. After surpassing $1 million in U.S. revenue with a single Madison Avenue location, the brand has announced a new $1.2 million capital infusion to fuel a multi-pronged expansion in the American market.
The move comes at a time when the luxury grooming space in the U.S. remains surprisingly underserved.
“The U.S. market offers significant growth potential because it lacks a reference brand in the luxury grooming sector. We aim to fill this gap by offering a brand that delivers not only excellent services and experiences but also an identity that customers can relate to.”
Michele Callegari, CEO and Co-Founder of Barberino’s
New York City Gets Groomed
Barberino’s will open two new locations in fall 2025, beginning with a high-profile store in Rockefeller Center, followed closely by a second in Grand Central Station, where negotiations are already in advanced stages. A fourth flagship in another major U.S. city is slated for 2026.
But these aren’t just barber shops—they’re lifestyle destinations. Each space is envisioned as a hybrid between luxury salon and cultural lounge, where community building, service excellence, and design-forward environments intersect. The goal? To transform routine grooming into a personalized ritual rooted in Italian elegance.
Strategic Backing from Industry Heavyweights
The brand’s ambitious U.S. strategy is backed by a powerhouse group of investors with deep roots in the beauty and luxury lifestyle industries.
Eric and Myriam Malka, co-founders of The Art of Shaving, were the brand’s earliest U.S. champions and remain key backers.
Thomas Saujet, founder of Saujet Holdings and the boutique luxury distributor International Cosmetics & Perfumes, Inc. (ICP)—which manages prestige names like The House of Creed—joins the board as a new strategic investor.
“We’re proud to partner with Barberino’s—an elevated brand that blends Italian heritage with modern craftsmanship. At Saujet Holdings, we seek out businesses that define excellence in the luxury lifestyle space, and Barberino’s is exactly that.”
Thomas Saujet, Founder of Saujet Holdings
“Michele and Niccolò have built a great luxury brand in a category Myriam and I know very well. We are excited to support two great founders who have demonstrated the ability to execute the brand’s strategy with excellence.”
Eric Malka, Co-Founder of The Art of Shaving
A Three-Pillar Expansion Strategy
The new funding will propel Barberino’s growth across three core channels:
1. Retail Expansion
New flagship locations, including Rockefeller Center and Grand Central, will serve as immersive hubs—bridging personal care with brand storytelling and experiential design.
2. Wholesale Distribution
Barberino’s will launch premium wholesale partnerships to expand its footprint beyond standalone stores. The focus: curated retail spaces that reflect the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship, heritage, and premium grooming.
3. E-Commerce and Digital
A dedicated U.S. e-commerce platform is set to roll out, aimed at deepening Barberino’s direct-to-consumer relationship and delivering Italian grooming rituals into American homes—complete with premium products and curated content.
Together, these three pillars form a scalable blueprint tailored to the expectations of the American luxury consumer.
A Legacy Reclaimed
Barberino’s story isn’t just rooted in strategy—it’s personal. Co-founder Michele Callegari’s great-grandfather, Giovanni Callegari, immigrated to the U.S. in 1910 and earned his stripes as a respected barber under the name “Barberino.” More than a century later, his descendants have revived that legacy with a brand that honors his attention to detail and commitment to style.
What began as a nostalgic nod has evolved into a high-growth platform, balancing timeless grooming rituals with contemporary luxury.
“Barberino’s is not just a brand but an international platform capable of attracting top-tier talent and capital in both Italy and the United States.”
Michele Callegari, CEO and Co-Founder of Barberino’s
The Luxury Grooming Brand to Watch
As the American male consumer grows more attuned to quality, heritage, and elevated self-care, Barberino’s is poised to lead the charge. With a proven track record in Italy, strong early momentum in New York, and a roster of investors fluent in scaling prestige brands, the stage is set for Barberino’s to become the face of luxury grooming in the U.S.
This isn’t just about shaving cream and scissors. It’s about identity, ritual, and refinement—and Barberino’s is ready to give the American market its long-overdue close shave with Italian excellence.