Da Lucky Spot Makes History as First Black-Owned Barbershop in Walmart
Five years ago, Shaun “Lucky” Corbett made headlines when he opened Da Lucky Spot Barbershop inside a Walmart in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The ex-felon turned entrepreneur became a trailblazer as the first Black business owner to operate a barbershop within one of the retail giant’s stores.
A Long Journey to Community Leadership
Corbett’s path was not an easy one. As a youth in Brooklyn, he fell into selling drugs at just 12 years old. Over the years, he accumulated a troubling criminal record. But in his 20s, Corbett turned his life around, determined to make an honest living.
Working multiple jobs to put himself through barber school, Corbett opened his own shop called Da Lucky Spot on North Tryon Street in 2010. More than just haircuts, it became a pillar for community empowerment. Corbett launched programs providing turkeys for needy families, book bags for kids, and tutoring sessions.
His visionary Cops & Barbers initiative built bridges of trust between local police and communities of color. This innovative work caught the attention of corporate leaders like Michelle Belaire, Walmart’s Senior Director of Community Relations.
Groundbreaking Partnership with Walmart
After meeting Corbett in 2017, Belaire helped broker an unprecedented agreement. With the enthusiastic support of city officials, Walmart offered Da Lucky Spot a coveted space within their Wilkinson Boulevard Supercenter.
On September 26, 2019, a jubilant crowd of community members, corporate executives, and local leaders including the mayor gathered for the grand opening celebration. Walmart presented Corbett with a $25,000 check to fund scholarships helping young men attend barber school.
“Every time you see that name and logo inside Walmart,” Corbett said in his speech, “you’re going to know what it stands for.”
A Thriving Legacy
Today in 2024, Corbett’s incredible journey continues to inspire others. Da Lucky Spot Barbershop upholds its reputation as a welcoming neighborhood hub providing vital services for the Charlotte community.
Most importantly, it has fulfilled Corbett’s pioneering vision to open doors for entrepreneurs of color throughout the country. Thanks to his partnership with Walmart, more Lucky Spot locations are spreading to underserved communities nationwide.
