Mostyn McKenzie, a beloved shoe chain, has closed its last store in Perth on May 2, 2026, marking the end of an era after 60 years on the high street. Rising costs and changing shopping habits led to this difficult decision.
Graeme McKenzie, the owner, shared that “high street retail has become increasingly difficult.” He noted that the business struggled to recover from the impacts of Covid. “Costs have increased, shopping habits have changed,” he explained. “We’re finding footfall in Perth has dropped considerably, and our costs have just increased.”
The closure follows a trend for Mostyn McKenzie, which once operated branches across the UK—Aberdeen, Broughty Ferry, and Edinburgh among them. The flagship store in Aberdeen closed in 2023, leaving Perth as the last standing location.
In light of the store’s closure, Mostyn McKenzie launched a clearance sale with discounts of up to 70% off online stock. This move aims to clear remaining inventory as loyal customers reflect on their fond memories of shopping there.
The store specialized in comfort and style, offering brands like Gabor, Rieker, and Josef Seibel. Many shoppers will miss not just the products but also the personal service that defined their experience.
As high street retail continues to face challenges—like online shopping convenience and changing consumer preferences—the future for similar retailers remains uncertain. Graeme McKenzie’s words resonate: “The shoe shop had never really recovered from Covid.”
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