A well known Aberdeen furniture store is closing its doors after 156 years in business.
It was 1858, Queen Victoria was on the throne and the British Empire covered much of the globe when John Alexander started up in the city.
But the current director of Alexanders of Rosemount, John Pryde, 51, is to sell the shop as he moves to sunnier climes in Portugal having struggled to find a buyer.
Two workers will lose their jobs in the move but Mr Pryde is confident that by keeping the flooring business at the site he can save the other five.
He said: “I have done a lot of soul searching before I came to the decision and it is with great sadness that I have to close the store. I had tried to sell Alexanders on as a furniture store but there’s been no real interest due to the economic climate which is a great shame. I’ll miss the staff and customers tremendously as many have become friends as well as employees or clients and I’m sure I’ll keep in touch.
“I’ve really enjoyed helping people to make over their homes and it’s with a heavy heart I’ll be closing the shop. But I have to take this chance to go and live in Portugal now as I’ll always regret it if I don’t.”
Mr Pryde took over Alexanders with Phil Yorke nine years ago, and is believed to be the fifth owner of the company.
Mr Yorke agreed it was a “sad time”. He said: “I know it was a difficult decision for John to close down the furniture side of the business, especially with the history of Alexanders over the decades.
“It’s another chapter in the history of Alexanders and although it’s a sad time, we are happy that the name and shop is being kept on in one form.”
Alexanders has been at the Rosemount location for more than 30 years having previously been located in Union Street. The shop was founded as an upholsterer and quickly added cabinetmaker and a carpet warehouse to its services.
It was previously known as John Alexander & Co, and the firm reconstructed the shop front and premises at 257 Union Street in 1931.
It was declared as ‘enhancing the beauty of Union Street’ in an article in the city’s Press and Journal newspaper at the time.
Mr Pryde added: “I want people to get a final chance to order from our range of furniture and accessories as we will still have our warehouse facility so all current orders will be honoured.”