McEwens site deal so good for city
Businesses in St John Street have said they are “delighted” to hear the former McEwens of Perth department store is to be taken over by Bournemouth-based Beales.
The independent department store announced it had purchased the iconic Fair City site at the start of the week, as featured in Tuesday’s PA.
Tony Brown, CEO of Beales, praised the support the firm has received so far from Perth and Kinross Council and said the historic premises could be given a new lease of life and opened once more by November.
Following the news, the PA asked nearby businesses on St John Street what they thought of the announcement.
Jane Campbell from Bank ski store, said: “I am delighted, it will be wonderful to see the building in use again.
“It is bound to increase footfall in the whole town, there will be more interest and it will make the town more appealing again and make St John Street not as tired looking, so very good news.
“I was delighted when I heard the news because every customer who comes in remarks on how said it is for Perth to lose such a wonderful outlet like McEwens. Here’s hoping this takes its place.”
Audrey Maestri from The Rose House cafe and florist added: “I am over the moon, its nice to know there is going to be a lot of jobs for people, and more customers will have a knock-on effect for smaller businesses.
“They [from Beales] seem really nice, very open, keen and enthusiastic. Having empty shops is bad enough, but its worse having a big shop like that empty. And it will be open in time for Christmas, so good luck to them!”
Linda Hodes from Kids In The City said: “I think it is really good, it has got to be good because it will bring more people in.
“I am surprised it is a department store, but that is good because it will fill most of the building. The queue formed down the street when McEwens announced the closure in March
“They seem like a good established company and good that its independent.
“I hope they will spend some money doing the place up and making it really nice, because it will bring business to the street.
“I think Perth is a great place for shopping and lots of people will come from further afield for a department store.”
Darren Ritchie from Highland Health Foods added: “I’m very happy. I think it is a good thing for the street and for the town, because there’s nothing good about an empty shop.
“I think it will be positive and bring people into the street but I’m surprised they are going to open so quickly to get the Christmas trade. Everyone is really happy.”
It will be wonderful to see the building in use again . . . very good news . . .