Fashion chain eyes McEwens

Joules may use ground floor with flats built above

A top fashion firm could be about to breathe new life into the empty McEwens of Perth department store.

Joules – which has more than 100 outlets across Britain – is eyeing up the iconic St John Street building as part of a major expansion programme. The company is in talks to take over the ground floor of the building. If a deal is struck, the upper levels could be converted into flats.

The property went on the market last month and a closing date for offers is expected to be set in the coming weeks.

McEwens closed in May after nearly 150 years of trading at the same location.

An award-winning clothing business is poised to take over the vacant McEwens building in Perth city centre.

Upmarket retailer Joules is in advanced talks to take over the former department store.

The Courier understands the retailer is working on a plan to use the ground floor for trading, while the upper levels would be converted into flats.

Joules, which was established in the late 1980s as a “British lifestyle brand”, is eyeing a move to Perth as part of a major expansion programme.

Andrea Gray, retail and shows director for Joules, said: “Scotland is a key focus for us and features in our growth strategy.

“We have plans to open 10 to 12 stores across the UK each year, maintaining the pace of last year.

“We are currently looking at other sites in Scotland, including Perth, but nothing has been confirmed yet.”

Administrator KPMG has refused to speak about the sale.

At a meeting of city centre businesses this week, council leader Ian Miller said agents CBRE Scotland were about to set a closing date for offers.

Joules, which is known for its brightly-coloured continental-style clothing, has more than 100 shops across the UK including four Scottish outlets at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews.

Joules also has a range of homeware products.

The firm made £116.4 million in sales last year with profits up 35.5% to £5m.

When the store went on the market, nearby retailers said they were worried the entire building could be converted into housing.

There was support locally for John Lewis to take over the building, although the company has confirmed to The Courier it has no plans to move into Perth.

The 43,000 sq ft building is being marketed as a “redevelopment opportunity suitable for a range of alternative uses”.

A smaller outlet on South Street and a car park on the Water Vennel are also offered for sale.

In the sales prospectus, it states: “The properties are no longer operational and vacant possession can be provided immediately”.

McEwens of Perth closed its doors in May, with the loss of 100 jobs.

Council leader Ian Miller said last night: “It would be a great boost if this shop could be brought back into use as soon as possible.

“I was aware that negotiations were under way.”

He added: “As always our city centre team are standing by and ready to offer every assistance they can to the new occupants.”

Scotland is a key focus for us and features in our growth strategy. We have plans to open 10 to 12 stores across the UK each year, maintaining the pace of last year. ANDREA GRAY JOULES

Picture: Dougie Nicolson. McEwens of Perth closed down in May with the loss of 100 jobs.