A popular Aberdeen store is to shut its doors for the final time after serving Granite City shoppers for more than three decades.
Argos Extra in the city’s Trinity Centre will close up on September 2 after 32 years at the busy shopping mall.
The retail giant said staff will be offered new roles at other Argos outlets across Aberdeen.
However, a new digital store will also be opening within Sainsbury’s at Berryden Retail Park, leaving the future of another nearby branch unclear.
An Argos spokeswoman confirmed Trinity Centre staff will be relocated between the new Berryden store and another outlet in Garthdee but did not comment further on the future of others.
She added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming customers new and old, with the familiar faces from the former store.”
The Trinity Centre branch opened just weeks after the mall’s official launch in 1984 and was one of the first brands in the new facility, joining the likes of Debenhams, Collingswoods and Lasky’s.
The retailer has been moving towards a new digital model in recent years that has seen tablets replacing the iconic Argos catalogue.
New Depute Provost Alan Donnelly said he was disappointed with the decision – especially in light of the recent closure of nearby British Home Stores – but remains hopeful another retailer will come along quickly.
“Obviously it’s disappointing when any retail outlet closes down,” he said.
“It’s worse when the business has been there for 30 years but hopefully it can be re-let as soon as possible.
“We have to be positive and there are lots of retailers out there with good ideas. There’s nothing worse than an empty shop front but hopefully it will be filled before long.”
Geoff Cooper, Aberdeen Inspired city centre manager, said: “Of course it’s sad to see a long-established business like Argos close.
“We understand that all staff affected by the closure are being offered other opportunities within the city, which we welcome.”
He added: “We see the support of retail outlets that are the lifeline of our city as absolutely crucial and Aberdeen inspired will continue to help retailers as much as we can.”
