A family-owned fashion chain has opened its doors at McEwens’ boutique shop in Perth city centre, claiming back six jobs.
The new Wilkies outlet on St John Street was launched with an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday morning.
It is just a matter of weeks since department store McEwens of Perth went into administration with the loss of around 100 staff.
The company’s boutique branch, a few doors along at number 24, was one of the first of the McEwens-owned properties to shut.
The store was snapped up by Karen Forret, managing director of women’s fashion specialist Wilkies. The chain, which was established in 1898, has eleven other branches across the country including in Dundee and Stirling.
So far she has hired six staff, all of which used to work for McEwens.
Provost Liz Grant was invited to officially open the new boutique.
Ms Forret said she was “delighted” to be able to set up shop in Perth. She said it was a positive move for the city and a boost for shoppers.
The closure of McEwens shook up the Fair City’s retail sector and prompted calls for major changes including a review of parking and the removal of pedestrianised zones.
Last month, menswear chain Brook Taverner announced it would continue to trade from inside the main McEwens building.
The family business has traded at the St John Street building for more than two decades.
The company struck a deal with McEwens administrators KPMG to stay on. It will also continue to operate at McEwens’ smaller branch in Ballater.
The move was hailed as a “heartening” display of faith in the city centre.
Brook Taverner owner Jason Scott said: “We want to support the local economy and we see this move as a step in the right direction with a long term strategy.”
The iconic McEwens of Perth brand is being sold off to raise cash to pay off the historic retail chain’s substantial debts.
Bids have been invited for the intellectual property (IP) assets of the 130-year-old business.
