Social media
There was a general sense of gloom at the news that Nancy Blacks had closed in Oban, though it also prompted a debate about the need to support local shops.
Gus Laurenson: ‘Sadly another victim of the online shopper who doesn’t support their local shops and then cries when they shut down!! Fact!!’ Suzy Anderson: ‘You know in all the years I’ve lived in the area and visited the local shops this shop never once had anything I either wanted or could afford. No point bleating about people not supporting local shops when locals shops are aimed at transient visitors and tourists, and don’t serve the actual needs and income levels of the year round population. I don’t have money to spend supporting shops just for the sake of it.’ Des Ballantyne: ‘Ive tried several times to buy stuff in there and they only keep like one item of anything. If its not by chance that the pair of shoes/ boots that you are wanting to buy, are in your size, then you aint getting them. Ive tried a fair few times to buy stuff with no luck.’
Colin Martin: ‘Most wee businesses in town don’t have the capital to have a large stock holding and need to order stock in if they don’t have it! That is If you don’t need instant gratification.’ Online stores have far fewer overheads and can therefore offer items cheaper, one of the choices you are making is whether or not you want to support local businesses or see them disappear.’ Pamela Crosbie: ‘Very sad,loved shopping here when I visit.’
David Crawford: ‘A shame but when I have been in, their prices for clothes were silly, same as Outside edge, way over what you’d expect to pay, so not surprised.’
Ian Clayton: ‘Used to get all my sailing gear from here when I was a teenager. They were so helpful. We were so lucky to have access to a wide range of boats at OHS when I was there, before some twit got rid of them for windsurfers. If we didn’t have a part it’d be down to Nancy Blacks for a block, bung or a fairlead. Very sad to see the shop go.’ Alexander McDonald: ‘End of an Era alright, great for sailing gear, good quality clothing ,for shooting fishing and warm winter gear,I will miss it,’ Bert Benton: ‘Always sad to see independent shops close, and this was a great shop to visit when I was in town. Sarah Clarke: ‘Noooo!’