Salon Bartolo, the boutique salon located at 1942 Gilpin Avenue in Wilmington’s Forty Acres neighborhood, has opened the doors to its newly expanded space and ushered in a fresh era for the business

Salon Bartolo helping shape the personality of both Forty Acres and nearby Trolley Square.

Contributing Writer Delaware Live | November 2025

Salon Bartolo, the boutique salon located at 1942 Gilpin Avenue in Wilmington’s Forty Acres neighborhood, has opened the doors to its newly expanded space and ushered in a fresh era for the business. Known for its warm hospitality, classic Italian-inspired aesthetic, and personal attention, the salon has built a loyal following in the community. Its latest expansion brings both practical improvements and an elevated experience that reflects the salon’s commitment to craft and care.

The decision to grow came naturally, according to co-owner Hailey, who shares ownership of the salon with her husband, Bartolo. “We had floated around the idea of finding a bigger spot, but we loved our location so much, we didn’t really want to leave. When the opportunity to expand into the unit next door came up, we knew it was the right thing to do. We’ve been incredibly lucky to have such a warm welcome into the neighborhood, and we are beyond grateful to be able to now have the space to serve our community even better than before!”

The enlarged layout allows Salon Bartolo to welcome additional stylists and increase availability for clients, something the team has been eager to provide as demand has grown. The new configuration creates more comfortable spacing between stations and enhances the overall flow of the salon, giving guests an immediate sense of relaxation from the moment they walk in. While the footprint has expanded, the signature character clients love remains at the heart of the design, including inviting touches, thoughtful details, and a blend of modern and classic elements.

A major benefit of the expansion is the ability to broaden the salon’s offerings. With more room and a larger team, Salon Bartolo can now accommodate specialized treatments, advanced color services, and a wider range of styling options. The addition of an esthetician to the staff brings services such as lashes, brows, waxing, and advanced skin care, creating a more comprehensive beauty destination for clients who prefer a one-stop experience.

Hailey says the salon’s continued evolution has felt natural. “Our vision has grown organically over the years, which has been incredible. We’ve been able to expand our hours, add more stylists, and bring on an esthetician for lashes and brows, waxing, and advanced skin care services. We look forward to utilizing the new space to its fullest potential, possibly adding in additional services, growing our team, and hopefully hosting community programs in the future (think yoga, local artist pop-up exhibits, charity events, and more)!”

For the Forty Acres neighborhood, the expansion represents more than just a larger salon. The area is known for its walkable charm, small businesses, and strong sense of community. When a business grows, it signals confidence in the neighborhood and adds to the vitality that residents and visitors value. Salon Bartolo’s investment reinforces the thriving character of the district, which blends residential warmth with urban convenience.

Local businesses like Salon Bartolo help shape the personality of both Forty Acres and nearby Trolley Square. Customers often visit multiple shops and restaurants in the same trip, so a flourishing salon adds visibility, energy, and steady foot traffic to the surrounding area. This kind of growth strengthens the ecosystem that makes the neighborhood an appealing and lively destination.

The expansion also reflects the role of local entrepreneurship in Wilmington’s broader small business landscape. As the salon grows its services, staff, and community presence, it becomes an anchor point for the neighborhood and a model of how thoughtful, steady growth can support a business and its surrounding community at the same time.

With a refreshed environment, expanded services, and a growing team, Salon Bartolo is poised for its strongest chapter yet. The newly enlarged space promises a more comfortable and elevated experience for clients while continuing to contribute to the spirit and success of the Forty Acres community.

Staff Writer

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