Shane & Kauffman Salon Closing After 16 Years

Shane & Kauffman Salon in Arnold is closing for business after 16 years, the store's co-owner said Friday.

The salon, which occupies the lower portion of Honeysuckle Quality Consignment at 1564 Ritchie Highway in Arnold, has been in operation since 1996, when it opened as Rick Shane Salon. But starting in April, the lease for the building will be up, and the salon will close its doors for good. 

Co-owner Rick Shane said Honeysuckle is seeking to expand its business, and did not offer to renew the lease for the salon.

"It's definitely sad. We're all filled with mixed emotions," said Shane. 

For the last seven months, Shane said he has been negotiating for a spot in the county that could become a second home for the salon, but commercial rent in the region has become "outrageous," he said.

Instead, Shane is calling an end to the 16-year history of the salon, and hopes to take a break before deciding on his next venture.

"I'm going to take some time off. I've been so blessed. I've had a great career, and I just need a break," he said.

Tucked away along a side street that runs parallel to Ritchie Highway, Shane & Kauffman was the kind of salon you heard about through word-of-mouth, not an advertisement.

Shane said he cultivated that intimate atmosphere from the very beginning.

"When I started this, I wanted it to be like a funky, eclectic apartment where me and my friends hung out," he said. "It has one of the warmest feels of any salon I've ever been in. I love that, and I will miss that about it."

A sign on the door to the salon thanks its customers for years of service:

"We will never be able to thank you enough for 16 years of love and memories!"

Several stylists who have worked there for years have already migrated to other salons in the area.

Co-owner Erik Kauffman and Patrick Simpson are moving to Mixed Element in Crofton, Patricia Gordon and April Willeff are moving to Body Wellness in Edgewater, and Manita Mitchell has moved to Fabu in Severna Park. 

Shane & Kauffman is the fourth business to close in the last four months in Arnold. Others include Admiral Cleaners in December, The Depot in January and Bay Hills Card and Gifts in February.