The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Family business branches out in Broughty Ferry
Millars opened its third shop in Broughty Ferry just three months ago.
Jonny Booth and his wife, KerryLyn, are directors of a family business whose roots go back many decades.
All three shops are located in Gray Street, and have a total workforce of 13.
The first to start trading in the street back in 2000 was Millars of Broughty Ferry, which stocks ladies and gents clothing.
That was followed in 2016 by Accessorise @ Millars, which sells bags, scarves, candles and costume jewellery.
The latest addition is Mini Me @ Millars, which concentrates on young people’s clothing for babies right up to 14-years-old.
Jonny said opening a children’s clothing shop was something that he and his wife had looked at doing for a while.
The third outlet was the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle for Millars.
Jonny was pleased to report that the initial feedback from customers to the new shop was all positive.
The businessman said Broughty Ferry is a vibrant place which attracts a lot of visitors.
He added: “We are very lucky to have a lot of independent businesses mixed in with national operators.
“We also have a very enthusiastic and committed traders’ association which helps promote all the Broughty Ferry businesses.
Broughty Ferry is known as “the jewel in Dundee’s crown”.
It was once regarded as the richest square mile in Europe, being home to wealthy jute barons who built Dundee’s textile fortunes.
The suburb can trace its origins back to the 15th Century fisher folk who built their homes around the harbour close to Broughty Ferry Castle.
Jonny puts the success of his business down to good customer service. “We want everyone who walks through the doors of our shops to have a memorable shopping experience,” he said.
At the moment, Jonny and Kerry-Lyn are concentrating on the existing three shops.
But Jonny has not ruled out further expansion down the line. “Never say never,” he added. Jonny expects a tough time ahead for many players in the UK retail sector due to more people buying online.
However, he said: “We are lucky that, over the past 20 years, we have been supported by loyal Broughty Ferry customers and other customers the length and breadth of the country.”