FEARS FOR FUTURE OF STORE
Uncertainty over Blairgowrie shop amid closures
Uncertainty continues to surround the future of Blairgowrie’s Edinburgh Wool len Mill(EWM) store.
The parent company behind the Wellmeadow shop recently announced plans to close 50 stores across its portfolio.
The move would result in the loss of around 600 jobs in total.
It comes in the wake of the company, which also owns other brands such as Peacocks and Jaeger, filing a notice to appoint administrators on October 9.
This sparked a 10-day period during which the company was said to be assessing its options.
No precise details of which stores would be closing had been released prior to the
Blairie going to press on Monday this week.
Steve Simpson, chief executive of the Langholm-based EWM group, said the past seven months had been “extremely difficult” and warned normal trading would be “impossible” in the wake of a second coronavirus outbreak.
He said closures would be “inevitable” as the company fights for its survival.
Mr Simpson continued: “This situation has grown worse in recent weeks as we have had to deal with a series of false rumours about our payments and trading which have impacted our credit insurance.
“Traditionally, the group has always traded with strong cash reserves and a conservative balance sheet but these stories, the reduction in credit insurance – against the backdrop of the lockdown – and now this second wave of Covid-19 and all the local lockdowns have made normal trading impossible.
“As directors we have a duty to the business, our staff, our customers and our creditors to find the very best solution in this brutal environment.”
Blairgowrie and Glens Conservative councillor Bob Brawn said:“It is sad to hear that yet another household name on the high street has had to go into administration.
“Edinburgh Woollen Mill has been part of Blairgowrie for many years and has been well-supported. Like other businesses, the switch to online shopping and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has taken its toll.
“As with other businesses, my thoughts are with the staff and the uncertainty over job losses.”
Perth and North Perthshire SNP MP Pete Wishart was quick to outline his concerns.
He said: “I was alarmed to hear that Edinburgh Woollen Mill was looking to appoint administrators.
“I have three shops in my constituency and, while I understand that it is so far only the concession within Dobbie’s Garden Centre in Perth that has re-opened, I am concerned about this news and the impact it could have.
“I am somewhat pleased to hear that there is potential interest in the business, but staff will understandably be worried by the uncertainty. ”
In addition to Blairgowrie and the concession in the Perth branch of Dobbie’s, there are also EWM shops in Pitlochry and Perth locally.