‘Staff upset’ as Beales closes two weeks early

Sudden announcement of department store’s closure blamed on coronavirus crisis

Beales in Perth will close its doors for the final time today – two weeks ahead of schedule – as administrators blame the coronavirus outbreak for the early shutdown.

More than 30 employees will be made redundant at the St John Street store after the joint administrators at KPMG made the sudden announcement yesterday afternoon.

KPMG claimed the impact of Covid-19 on the retail environment meant trading was no longer worthwhile.

Some staff at the 23 remaining outlets across the UK will continue to work until March 21 when the majority of employees will lose their jobs.

Loyal customers were still trickling in and out of the Fair City store yesterday afternoon with some saying they had seen staff in tears.

Robbie Smith was shopping in Beales with his partner Sandra Moir shortly after the news broke.

He said: “We’ve been using it (Beales) for seven to eight months since we got a flat in Perth. It’s terrible for the town, it’s just a shame. It’s a beautiful building and look at the size of the place.

“There’s women’s clothing, gents clothing and a cafe upstairs – it’s like the Crystal Maze.

“It’s more friendly than out at the retail parks and you seem to get treated better.”

Sandra added: “I saw one of the staff members in there very upset, worried about their mortgage. It’s such a shame.”

Patrick Neill from Stanley said: “Most of the staff thought it was going to be April and now they’re just finding out it’s tomorrow.

“I think it’s a great store. It’s sad that it will go. The shop before it, McEwan’s, was also a great shop.”

Patrick said he feared for the future of the high street in general, especially given the outbreak of the virus.

He said: “I think it’s going to get worse before it gets better.”

The department store announced on February 7 that it would be shutting the Perth branch in eight weeks after first entering administration in January.

It opened in Perth in 2016, moving into the landmark building left vacant after McEwan’s went out of business.

Following the decision to shut down two weeks ahead of schedule, joint administrator Will Wright said they were left with no alternative options.

Mr Wright said: “While it is regrettable that we have had to take this decision, especially given the fantastic support that the staff have provided to the business and the administrators since our appointment, the impact of these unprecedented circumstances has left us with no alternative option.

“We will be working with employees to ensure they have all the necessary information to submit claims to the redundancy payments service, together with details of who to contact for any help and support they may require.”

I saw one of the staff members in there very upset, worried about their mortgage. It’s such a shame.

CUSTOMER ROBBIE SMITH

Picture: Steve MacDougall. More than 30 employees will be made redundant at the store.