The manager of one of the most recognisable names from Elgin town centre has warned that only the return of independent retailers to the High Street can make it thrive again.
Pram and nursery store Mathesons will close next month after being a fixture on Batchen Street for more than a century.
The shop has dominated manager Anne Shanks’ working life having started working there when she was just 19 and has run it for the last 16 years.
But now the 62-year-old has decided to retire and intends to spend more time visiting her family in Australia.
And as she prepares to step away from the shop for the final time she said she was worried about the future of the town centre after the “massive changes” over the last four decades.
Mrs Shanks said: “I think parking is the biggest problem now. People don’t want to pay for just going to the bank. That’s what people come into the town for and then have a browse after.
“I don’t know what it needs – probably more little independent shops. That’s what it was like years ago but I don’t think we will get back to that now – the rates are too dear.
“The internet has definitely made a difference too. It’s maybe £30 or £40 cheaper online so people go there. We’re all guilty of it, I do it myself.”
Mrs Shanks and the long-serving staff have been inundated with visits from well-wishers since the closure of the store was announced.
It is expected the retailer will close for good at the end of April following a clearance sale of stock.
Mathesons has been in the ownership of Winnie Ross’ family since her grandfather bought into it in the 1920s.
Yesterday she admitted it had been an emotional decision to finally call time on it but explained the “time was right”.
She said: “It used to be just a general store with toys, furniture and wallpaper before it focussed on prams later with the extension above. I’ve decided to call it a day now but I would be delighted if anyone wanted to carry it on.
“Anne and I have been friends since we were at school. We had talked about it for a while but I did get upset when I made the decision.”
Mrs Shanks added: “It’s been a huge part of my life. I’ll definitely miss the interaction with the customers every day.”
