Iconic crystal shop set to close its doors
An iconic Perthshire crystal shop is set to close next month.
The Stuart Crystal shop will sut its doors for the final time on April 27.
The company which owns the specialist outlet for crystal, china and tableware, WWRD United Kingdom Ltd has cited the need for expensive repairs to the Creiff building and the impact this would have on future profitability as the reason for the closure.
A spokesperson for WWRD United Kingdom Ltd told our sister paper, the Strathearn Herald:“Following a recent review, it has become clear the Crieff WWRD outlet requires costly repairs and restoration, which will adversely impact its future profitability.
“WWRD United Kingdom has proposed its closure and entered into a formal consultation period with those people potentially affected by this proposal.
“The company regrets the need to make this proposal and will seek to avoid, mitigate and reduce the risk of potential job losses.”
However, the next nearest branches
Rhona Brock are within House of Fraser in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Seven permanent staff and one casual employee are currently employed at the Strath outlet.
Strathearn ward Perth and Kinross Councillor Rhona Brock said:“It has come as quite a surprise and I’m sure a lot of people won’t be aware.
“It was the glassworks, where they made paperweights before that.
“The building’s been there for a very long time.
“It’s going to be sad when it closes as a lot of people use the shop and also the cafe, which has a car park right next to it. It’s a visitor attraction.
“I’m sorry for the staff, who are so helpful.
“They do engraving there as well. The service is there on site and is excellent.
“I would hope something could be done and a meeting could take place to see if there is any way we can prevent the closure.”
Local MSP Roseanna Cunningham, who lives in Crieff, was also disappointed to hear of the closure plans. She said:“The shop and cafe have been an important part of what Crieff has on offer to tourists for a considerable time.
“I will be contacting Stuart Crystal for more details on what needs done and what other options there might be.”