The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Provost Dennis Melloy officially opened Beales department store in Perth yesterday, alongside its chief executive Tony Brown and shop manager Fiona Wilkins.
PERTH: Beales takes over building once occupied by McEwens
A sea of shoppers descended on Scotland’s newest department store as it opened its doors for the first time.
Retail giant Beales welcomed its first customers yesterday, breathing new life into the landmark McEwens of Perth building.
The store has stood empty for more than 18 months since McEwens’ shock closure last summer.
Bournemouth-based Beales struck a deal to take on the building just eight weeks ago.
After what boss Tony Brown described as a “Herculean” effort by staff, the store was ready for the grand opening.
Dozens of shoppers gathered outside for the 9.30am launch, with the promise of gift vouchers for the first 50 customers to spend £50.
Many spoke of their excitement at the return of a quality retailer to the St John Street site.
Margaret Simpson said Beales would help make the street “more vibrant”.
She said: “I think it’s a good thing for Perth. It’s a shame that a lot of businesses are moving out of the town centre and we really need things like this here.”
Irene Lamond added: “The closure of McEwens was a great loss and it’s good to see something opening.”
The black and gold ribbon across the entrance to the store was cut by Perth Provost Dennis Melloy.
He said: “This unique building is now a store again. It’s so important to Perth that Beales has acquired it.”
John Bullough, former boss of McEwens of Perth, said he hoped the new venture would be a success.
Mr Bullough, who heads the local City Development Board – overseeing a 20-year masterplan for the area – said: “Perth in general and St John Street in particular have always had a proud tradition of speciality shopping.
“Beales are a perfect fit for the McEwens building and I wish them the very best of luck in their new venture.
“Beales’ investment in Perth is an enormous boost to our city centre.
“It is one of several significant developments that have been announced over the past six months, all of which have contributed to increased levels of footfall, occupancy rates and commercial inquiries to the council’s economic development team.
“The infrastructure works ongoing throughout the city, however frustrating for us all now, is another great sign that Perth is investing in its future and is open for business.”