End of an era: Aberdeen store set to leave iconic street building after 48 years of service
The retailer Country Ways has confirmed the sale of its Holburn Street store.
After 48 years on the iconic Holburn Street, Aberdeen’s Country Ways is set to relocate, marking the end of an era.
Country Ways has announced the sale of its established shop on Holburn Street.
The north-east retailer is set to focus its attention around 19 miles away to its Bridge Street shop in Banchory.
The store shared the news on social media, expressing its thanks to customers for their support over nearly five decades of service.
The Holburn Street building, famous for its long-standing murals, has been a familiar view for Aberdonians.
Country Ways confirmed it will continue to be open on the iconic street until the end of February.
Normal opening hours will also be maintained throughout this period.
The announcement revealed the team is also actively exploring options for a second location in the future.
Aberdeen store says goodbye to iconic street building
The Country Ways building isn’t an unfamiliar sight for most Aberdonians thanks to its eye-catching displays.
Its gable end has been repainted many times over the decades.
A 19th-century photograph by well-known north-east photographer George Washington Wilson shows the wall covered in advertisements.
Some Aberdonians may remember the horse mural that became an iconic feature of the store from the 1970s.
In 2018, the building was repainted as part of Aberdeen’s popular Nuart festival and has since displayed a colourful mural by Glasgow-based artists the Globel Brothers.
The artwork features a toy seagull in a box alongside the slogan: “He’s awa wi yir chips!”
Country Ways ‘deeply grateful’ for decades of support
After sharing the news on social media, Country Ways received an outpouring of positive comments from the public.
Nicola Mahon said: “It was the best place to work, experiences I’ll always talk and smile about with the most wonderful team and amazing friendships.”
Comments such as “Certainly the end of an era for Aberdeen” and “Such a lovely shop and fantastic staff” flooded its feed.
A statement from Country Ways read: “After 48 years on Holburn Street, Country Ways has welcomed generations of you, our loyal customers, for your country and equestrian wear.
“From its inception in 1978 by Charles and John Michie, it’s been an amazing journey.
“We are deeply grateful for the love and support shown by you all over the years, as well as our dedicated team, you truly made it all happen.
“Thank you all!”
[Source: Press and Journal]
