Department store to revitalise Perth

Beales will open for business in old McEwens building

The UK’s largest independent department store chain has committed to opening its first Scottish store in Perth.

Beales will begin moving into the former McEwens of Perth building within weeks, with the shop to open by the end of November.

McEwens closed last year with the loss of more than 100 jobs and its disappearance has been keenly felt throughout the city ever since.

It is hoped the arrival of the English company, which already operates 20 stores, will rekindle interest in Perth as a shopping destination.

Perth and Kinross Council leader Ian Campbell said it was “fantastic news” and evidence the city is an attractive place to do business.

“That site being taken by Beales will fill a large hole

The UK’s biggest independent department store group is to make the former home of McEwens of Perth its first Scottish branch.

Fears the building could lie empty for years have been laid to rest with the announcement that Beales could open within two months.

The company said the decision to move into Perth should be seen as “a ringing endorsement” of the city as a place for business investment.

It has taken the step after months of high-level behind-the-scenes discussions with council chiefs that should smooth its arrival.

McEwens was once Perth’s most important retailer and the city centre’s largest retail employer.

The business collapsed into administration in March 2016, however, with massive job losses and what some thought would be a mortal blow to Perth as a shopping destination.

Little more than 18 months later, the giant St John Street building is set for a rebirth that could raise the economic fortunes of the city once more.

Based in Bournemouth, Beales’ 20 existing stores are all south of the border, but CEO Tony Brown said he believed Perth was an attractive market for its first Scottish store.

“We are confident that Beales will be able to meet the needs of our new customers in Perth and surrounding area, continuing Perth’s tradition of offering all that is best from a local, independent department store,” he said.

Perth and Kinross Council leader Ian Campbell said the development was a hugely important one for the city of Perth.

“The former McEwens building is a flagship site in the city centre and it will be great to see it coming back into use, particularly as home to an established independent business,” he said.

Murdo Fraser MSP said: “That site being taken by Beales will fill a large hole in the city’s retail offer and help restore confidence in Perth as a place to visit for shopping as well as for cultural and leisure activities.”

Pete Wishart MP said: “I know how important this is and how many people have worked so very hard for a considerable time to bring this about.”

Picture: Mhairi Edwards. Beales is to open its new outlet in the former McEwens store.