Aberdeen’s oldest furniture shop to close after 101 years

Everything is heavily discounted in the city centre shop as it plans to shut in a month's time.

By Rob McLaren

May 10 2023, 11:43 am

Bryan and Joanna Ewen, who are retiring and closing their business which has operated in Aberdeen for more than 100 years. Image: Wullie Marr / DC Thomson.

An Aberdeen shop which has been in the city for more than 100 years is to close next month.

Furniture retailer Ewen and Company has been run by three generations of the Ewen family since it was established in 1922. It operates over three floors in George Street.

Current owners, husband and wife Bryan and Joanna Ewen, have now decided to retire.

A closing down sale is now on, with discounts of up to 75%. The store will close in early June.

Moving with the times

Bryan, 64, started working in the business full-time in 1980 alongside his father Robert.

“There have been incredible changes over the last four decades,” he said.

“We’ve been lucky because of Aberdeen’s prosperity but then have found it just as hard as everyone else has as the city has declined.

Owners Joanna and Bryan Ewen outside the Ewen and Company shop in George Street, Aberdeen. — Joanna and Bryan Ewen outside the Ewen and Company shop in George Street, Aberdeen. Image: Wullie Marr / DC Thomson

“We’ve also been impacted by the huge increase in online sales.”

The couple’s children, Roger, Patrick and Poppy, were all involved in helping the business when they were younger.

However, now all in their 30s with their own careers, there won’t be a fourth generation of the Ewen family to continue the shop.

Thanks to customers and staff

Bryan says he will miss the shop’s loyal customers the most – but not the early starts.

He adds: “Furniture is a big purchase that people think long and hard over. It’s nice to think we’ve played a part in them making the right decision.

“We’ve also been lucky to have loyal staff, two of whom retired after many years of service in 2019.

“We’ll miss the customers – many of whom I’d consider friends.

Owners Joanna and Bryan Ewen inside Ewen and Company store. — All smiles as Joanna and Bryan Ewen intend to spend more time with their grandchildren in retirement. Image: Wullie Marr / DC Thomson

“I won’t miss the heavy lifting or the early starts!

“It’s been a great career but the time is right to retire – our grandchildren beckon.”

Meanwhile a new operator plans to turn the furniture shop’s premises into a cafe and play centre.

Ewen and Company history

George Ewen, Bryan’s grandfather, started the business from premises in Queen Street in 1922. Robert took over the company when he returned from the Second World War.

At that point, it was based in Broad Street at the corner with Queen Street.