One of Perth’s best known retailers has announced that one of its satellite stores looks likely to close.
McEwens of Perth confirmed the Inverness branch is in jeopardy following poor trading figures.
Scotland’s largest independent department store group in Scotland, McEwens said it remained “fully committed” to its other stores in Perth, Ballater, Aberdeen and Oban.
The group employs 130 people directly and a further 110 are employed by concession partners.
Following a full review of the company’s retail operation in Inverness, it was confirmed to the McEwens Inverness-based staff on Wednesday that the company is entering into a formal consultation process regarding the potential closure of the Inverness store in Church Street.
The firm says the announcement puts at risk three full-time and eight part-time jobs of McEwens employees and may have an impact on concession staff.
The Church Street site traded as a drapers and outfitters since the 1950s as FA Cameron Ltd and was bought by McEwens of Perth in 2000.
John Bullough, McEwens managing director, said: “Despite our best efforts, the Inverness store has not traded profitably for some years and this decision forms part of a planned consolidation of group retail operations.
“Unfortunately, we are unable to comment further until the consultation process with all employees has been completed. In the meantime, the Inverness store will, however, continue to trade normally and a further announcement will be made in due course.
“We remain fully committed to our other stores and are following a programme of investment to take them forward.”
Mr Bullough explained the background to the decision, saying that Church Street had seen the footfall and retail focus in Inverness move up towards the Eastgate Shopping Centre after it was refurbished in 2002.
In addition, the move to out-of-town sites by both retail and offices has affected the Old Town area. The Highland Council itself recently moved from its Church Street premises to out-of-town locations.
McEwens flagship store in Perth has been trading since 1868 and in 1982 was acquired by the Bullough family.