Thousands raised in bid to save Dundee’s Manifesto from closure – but owner calls for more funds

By Maria Gran

November 25 2022, 11:38am

Manifesto owner Forrey Rosscraig launched a Crowdfunder to try help save his store, but it fell short of its target. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson.

Two weeks after launching a crowdfunder to save the Dundee shop, Manifesto owner Forrey Rosscraig is hoping for more pledges.

The Commercial Street shop has been in Dundee for 36 years offering a range of male fashion.

Following Covid, Brexit, the rise in online shopping, competition from retail giants and the energy and cost of living crises to shop is on its last legs.

In a bid to save the business, Forrey launched a £50,000 fundraiser to maintain Manifesto‘s presence in Dundee and Kirkcaldy.

So far, the shop has raised just over £3,000 with two weeks left to go.

With payday around the corner the owner hopes there are more pledges yet to come.

“Obviously I am pleased that in this day and age people are willing to pledge anything,” says Forrey.

“We’ve got about 38,000 followers on social media, and during our time in Dundee we must have employed 200 odd staff over 36 years.

Forrey hopes the crowdfunder will save the Dundee and Kirkcaldy Manifesto stores. Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

“If everyone just pledged even £20 we would be more than happy.”

Save Manifesto rewards

Many local businesses have been in touch with Manifesto to offer their support, including Beiderbeckes, Spex Pistols and The Parlour Cafe.

Contractor Meraki Halo is running a raffle to win a door with all proceeds going to Manifesto.

Forrey stresses that he is not looking for donations to save the shop, as each tier on the Crowdfunder page offers different rewards.

“We’re offering up T-shirts, tote bags, key rings and other rewards for pledges,” he says.

“We’re not asking for money for nothing or for huge donations, any donations big or small are appreciated.”

While many comments on social media have been supportive of the store, some have criticised the approach.

From suggesting a move to another street or online to saying the public shouldn’t pay for running costs, Forrey fears some believe his concerns for the shop aren’t genuine.

“Everyone has this impression that I’m a multi-millionaire, but nothing could be further from the truth,” he says.

“I’m not sure a lot of people are actually taking this seriously enough. But it is real, believe you me.”