St Andrews golf shop Auchterlonies enjoying China trade links

A historic St Andrews golf retailer is enjoying an upturn in business after exploring trade links with China.

Auchterlonies’ business link with the Far East was highlighted by First Minister Alex Salmond as he continued a week-long trade mission to the country.

The firm was approached around two years ago by China’s Singer Investments who have a series of retail concessions at golf courses throughout China.

The business a landmark in the Fife town has since been sending out golf equipment, bespoke hickory clubs and memorabilia items to the Far East which has resulted in a 10% increase in overall turnover.

General manager Bobby Millar said increasing numbers of Chinese tourists visiting St Andrews were also adding to the company’s bottom line.

He said: ”We are linked in with a company that has a lot of retail space at golf courses in China.

”Probably over the last two years that must have added 10% to our retail turnover, which has been very good for us. They also seem to have a very quick turnaround for goods.

”From a retail perspective in St Andrews we have also seen huge growth.”