The owner of a family-run Elgin kilt shop said it has overcome “plenty of challenges” in its 25 years trading in the town centre.
Chuck McCall opened Chuck McCall Highland Wear, located in South Street, in 1999.
It offers kilt, shoe and equipment hires as well as retailing and selling kilts made to measure.
Now the long-standing business is seeing different generations of customers walking through its door.
As Chuck eyes a full retirement, he is hopeful the shop’s quality of product and staff will keep customers coming.
Highland wear has been brilliant for family, says owner
After moving to Elgin, Chuck took on a role at McCall’s, a different Elgin Highland wear store.
He was there for six years before deciding he was ready to open his own place.
Chuck said: “I decided to start up myself in 1999 opposite the Sheriff Court. Having worked in the industry, I knew there was a demand.
“I saw success early on and we quickly outgrew our little shop so I had a look around.
“A unit on South Street came up in 2003 and so I spoke to the previous shop owner and he was packing up.
“I moved the business in on March 12 so we’ve been there more than 21 years now. It’s been great for us ever since.”
Chuck believes the business has also offered “brilliant” opportunities for his family, who have also taken on roles in Chuck McCall Highland Wear.
He added: “Two of my daughters have been involved and now my grandchildren are too. It’s a great stop-gap for them.
“It’s certainly a family business. The girls are well trained and my daughter started with me 30 years ago at McCall’s.
“Sarah, another of our staff, also worked with me at McCall’s 30 years ago. We have loads of experience.”
Chuck McCall Highland Wear ‘pays the bills’
Chuck said there have been plenty of ups and downs while running the store across the past quarter of a decade.
He said: “The town centre is relatively quiet and South Street used to be a bit busier but Covid has changed things.
“There aren’t as many people about anymore and so we’ve had to cut hours. Even so, we’re still seeing it falls quieter in the afternoon.
“Money is tight all over at the moment and the purchase of goods is more of a luxury item.
“It keeps you on your toes, you have to make sure you’re sharp with prices. We must be doing some things right as we’re still here and the bills are paid.”
Chuck employs six staff at his Elgin store and as he eyes up his full retirement, he hopes the friends he’s made will still return to the shop.
He added: “We’ve seen a lot of returning customers, some who first came through the door 20 years ago. For us, they’re almost like friends as you know them so well.
“People will come in now and if you or whoever they want to see isn’t there, they’ll pop back later when you are.
“Some have come in for their own wedding and are now in for a kilt for their son’s prom, it’s generational goodwill for us.
“A good customer base is what keeps you going and I’m very grateful for that. I hope they keep coming back once I retire.”
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