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Business Caters To Working Babyboomers

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LAURA CONE

The Sun

Published: November 12, 2008

Whether they are holding down a full or part-time job or volunteering, the babyboomer generation in Sun City Center has won the attention of some business owners.

Penny Drigger of Ruskin, the owner of Hairlines United, 1601A Sun City Center Plaza, said she remains open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays to cater to her working clientele.
Drigger also is offering a "welcome back" special for returning part-time residents of Sun City Center. Her "snowbird special" is for first-time clients who will receive a free hair cut with color service.

"Babyboomers come once a month for color," Drigger said. "Dimensional color is a big thing. Years ago when I was working, it was more of a weekly thing where people would come in for shampoo and sets. Now we are seeing more customers who are working and who come in monthly for color."

While Marlene Smithyman of Sun City Center does not have a job, she works many hours as a volunteer. Smithyman is the chairwoman for "A Night of Glitter and Glamour," a masked festival gala for the Performing Arts Club Gala.

Smithyman, who received a pedicure at Hairlines United, said she had just a few remaining tables for the Nov. 15 gala featuring champagne and chocolate, which begins at 5:15 p.m. at Community Hall.

The fundraiser will support renovations to the Rollins Theater after the Sun City Center Community Association pushed back funding the theater to 2012, according to Smithyman.

Smithyman, who considers herself a babyboomer, said more retired folks moving from New York City and other major cities want quality theater within close driving distance.

"We have people who can no longer drive to the Ruth Eckerd Hall," she said. "This gives residents an opportunity to have theater close to home."

Smithyman has noticed more retired people working longer. Her nail technician, for example, does not have any plans to retire anytime soon.

Lena Blucher, 54, said she has been coming to Sun City Center to see her clients for the past 24 years. She has worked in four different shops. Smithyman has been her client for 18 years.

"I'm going to keep working," Blucher said. "I have no reason to sit in a rocking chair. I'm not ready."

For more information on Hairlines United, call (813) 634-1560.

Editor Laura Cone may be reached at lcone@mediageneral.com.

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