Perth: Retail giant Beales prepares to open new department store.

New residents from Bournemouth pay homage to former Perth favourite as they move in

Retail giant Beales is putting the final touches to its new Perth department store.

The Bournemouth-based business is breathing fresh life into the old McEwens building, following the landmark store’s shock closure in 2016.

Crews are working round-the-clock to get the shop ready for its public unveiling on Thursday.

Bosses are keen to retain the iconic look of the building, with the original, ornate front largely untouched, apart from a change of name.

A sign above the front door – “Formerly McEwens” – pays tribute to the store which stood in the city centre for more than a century.

The chain took on the Perth premises following a turbulent period, which saw its losses increase.

Chief executive Tony Brown, who took charge of the company earlier this year, said the expansion into Perth – which will create around 40 jobs – was a sign that it was getting back on track.

“The business has faced challenging trading over the last couple of years,” he

We are confident that Beales will be able to meet the needs of our new customers in Perth... BEALES CHIEF EXECUTIVE TONY BROWN

told Bournemouth’s Daily Echo this week.

“My confidence still remains high that the direction we’re now taking is bearing fruit.”

Mr Brown added: “We’re starting to get real engagement from our customers for the product that we’re buying now and that confidence is demonstrated by our purchase of Perth and expansion in there.”

Announcing the new store, Mr Brown said: “Perth is the ideal place for us to start in Scotland.

“We are a market town business and Perth’s independent business focus is perfect for us. 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.”

Although the listed building’s exterior will be retained, the inside has been fully renovated. Work has also been completed to fix a leaky roof.

A Christmas display is being put together in the front window and stock is being set out throughout the building.

More than 400 people attended a recruitment drive earlier this summer.

Three days of staff training will go ahead before the store opens.

McEwens of Perth went into administration in early 2016 with the loss of more than 100 jobs.

The store’s closure sent shockwaves through the business community, triggering calls to safeguard the city centre.

A civic reception will be held at the shop on Wednesday, ahead of the official opening.

The newly-rebranded frontage of the store and three views of the new interior at Beales.