Selling Cruickshanks

End of an era: Furniture businesses going but owner keeps an easy chair

A Huntly businessman is selling three north-east shops after calling time on a long-established furniture retailer.

Michael Brodie’s decision to shut and offload Cruickshanks of Huntly was prompted by his wish to “take it easier” after more than 30 years of ownership.

Cruickshanks employed 16 people across the three sites – at Huntly, Banff and Buckie – until the “everything must go” signs went up.

The Huntly store was the last to close, shutting its doors for the final time last month.

It brought down the curtain on a familiar name in retailing in the Aberdeenshire town, where Cruickshanks had been on the go for more than 100 years.

When Mr Brodie took over during the 1980s it was an ironmongers.

He transformed it into a household goods and furniture business before acquiring the shop at Banff and then expanding the business to Buckie.

The 63-year-old owner retired a few years ago, leaving his son, Andrew, to run the business.

“Andrew’s decided he wants a change,” said Mr Brodie, who also once owned Morgan McVeighs at Colpy.

“I have reached that stage in my career when I would like to take it easier and to benefit from all the hard work that is gone into building the Cruickshanks of Huntly business over the years.

“The furniture market has changed significantly in recent times and I am hopeful that, under new ownership or management, the three premises in Buckie, Banff and Huntly will generate prosperity for future generations.”

Chartered surveyor DM Hall was appointed to sell the shops, either together or individually.

Cruickshanks’ flagship shop at 30 The Square, Huntly, extends to 13,328sq ft and is being marketed at £275,000.

The 8,061sq ft store at 32 High Street, Banff, is on offer at £125,000, while DM Hall is looking for £200,000 for the 6,230sq ft premises at 23 Church Street, Buckie.

DM Hall director Kevin Jackson said: “We anticipate a significant degree of interest.”

SALE OF THE CENTURY: Michael Brodie at Cruickshanks of Huntly, which has been on the go for more than 100 years