Popular shop will close its doors on July 17 Winding down for Music Box
A Blairgowrie institution will close its doors for the final time on Monday, July 17.
Owners of the Music Box on Allan Street in the town, Tommy and Irene Newcomen, announced in May that after 31 years in business the shop was to close down.
And last week they confirmed that Monday, July 17 would be their final day of trading from the shop.
Accordionist and entertainer Tommy and his wife Irene first opened the Music Box in their home town of Blairgowrie in December 1988.
Over the years they have traded from seven different shops in the town, expanding each time, and the Music Box offered one of the biggest and best selections of Scottish and Irish recordings in the country on CD and DVD.
Tommy, who performs six or seven nights a week as well as running the shop, thanked all his customers.
He said: “Myself and Irene would like to thank all those loyal customers who have supported us through the years and hope to see as many as possible before we close next week.
“We’d also like to thank all the individuals and groups who continue to try and promote and improve this great town and wish them all the best - please keep doing what you do.
“We really hope the locals will continue to support all local businesses because without their support they will lose them.”
Tommy went on: “I have lived in Blairgowrie all my life and have, over the years been delighted to praise it and promote it, but sadly it has changed so much in the last few years.
“Once a busy and bustling little tourist town, we are now having to close due to the drop in tourist and visitor numbers visiting the town - not because of internet or online businesses taking our trade.
“The local shops need more support and interest from the powers that be in tourism and the local council.
“Blairgowrie is a brilliant little town and those who do visit it love it.
“It is a great base for visiting other tourist related towns and attractions throughout Perthshire and Angus but it has been forgotten, which is a real shame.”
The business will continue through the website at www. musicboxscotland.com.
Tommy added that if another shop in a suitable location in the town was to come up in the future, they would consider opening as a re-structured business.