Ben Thompson, owner of Cutting Class, will open the shop on a full-time schedule next week. The salon's soft opening saw a some clients come in and out for Thompson's practical take on doing business. (Chronicle photo by Tricia Fulks)

Practicality is the name of the game for Ben Thompson.

Thompson held a soft opening for his new shop, Cutting Class, 132 E. German St., this past week, and next week the business will operate on a full-time schedule.

But the Pennsylvania native with about 10 years of salon experience decided to open the shop along the main street of Shepherdstown after hearing feedback that there was not one especially convenient to residents. And Thompson hopes his “bootstrap” business will hit strike a chord with the middle market of practical customers.

“This line of industry has kind of gotten lost,” he said.

Thompson said local barber shops and salons used to be the focal point of town where there was a lot of interaction with the locals. Now, he said, you see them sitting in strip malls.

“Practicality is really my focal point,” he said. “A lot of men and kids and even women don’t like going to a full-service salon and spa The feedback that I’ve gotten over the years is practicality just a simple, straight-forward haircut.”

With a standard haircut starting out at $15, Thompson has already been busy with customers gracing his chair during his soft opening, including actor Richard Dreyfuss who was in town for meetings at Shepherd University.

“Everyone’s very supportive and friendly,” he said.

Thompson will offer cuts, color, permanents, waxing, among other services.

Cutting Class opens on a full time schedule next week. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 12 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call 304-240-6047.