A Dundee clothing shop selling local brands is closing just one year after opening.
Keep it Local opened in November 2021 on Albert Street in Stobswell.
Ross Kelly launched the store with Steve Grant as a place to sell their own brands – Grumpy Gorilla and Our Culture – and others based in and around the city.
Entrepreneurs could rent a space to sell their garments.
Customers ‘reluctant to spend money on clothes’
After a successful few months, Ross says customer numbers declined – leading to brands pulling their stock.
He said: “When we first opened the shop people thought it was a brilliant idea and we had loads of brands come on board.
“But with the cost of living, people became reluctant to spend money on clothes and it eventually began to go downhill.
“They would rather put money into bigger brands, not local ones.
“In the beginning we were selling about three or four hoodies a week and now I think I’ve sold about one since last week.
“We used to have people queuing to get their brands in the shop but now we have to chase people.
“Brands would sub-let the space from us but if they weren’t making their rent money in a week, they didn’t think it would be worth keeping their brands running in the shop.”
‘It’s always the little man that suffers’
Ross began his own gym clothing brand after injuring himself while working offshore.
Now a tattoo removal technician, he struggles to juggle running the store along with his full-time job.
He said: “I started up Grumpy Gorilla during lockdown and got the idea for a shop in Dundee that was only local brands.
“It was a trial and I’m still glad I tried it.
“Everyone says it was a good idea and that it helped a lot of local brands get off the ground.
“Our first year’s lease on the shop is ending at the end of November and there’s no point taking it on another year.
“The nail in the coffin was the impact of the cost of living
“It’s always the little man that suffers.”
Keep it Local closes on November 19 – though Ross says he will continue to sell his clothes online.
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