A branch of an Aberdeenshire charity shop has closed its doors for the final time.
Magpie Shops in Inverurie sold second hand furniture, clothes, bric-a-brac and household goods. Aberdeenshire Council’s housing department also made use of the charity when rehoming refugees in the region.
But it has faced financial pressure resulting from a lack of footfall and the rumoured £8,000 annual rent.
A consultation was held with the five employees. The charity’s other base in Banchory is unaffected.
David Rodger, chief executive of Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action, said: “In order to protect the wider organisation it has been necessary to take this regrettable action.
“The per annum rental cost of the unit is higher in Inverurie than in Banchory, as commercial property in Inverurie is at a premium.
“The board, in making their decision to close Inverurie, assessed a range of factors that would likely impact on the sustainability of the project going forward.
“If our sales income had not decreased over the last few years, due to such challenges as the economic downturn and increased competition from online buy, swap and sell sites we would likely not be having to take this unfortunate action.”
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: “We have been in discussion with Magpie Shops over the last few months to help their business to be more sustainable.
“Whilst it is unfortunate that Magpie Shops are having to close their Inverurie branch it would be inappropriate for us to comment on what is a commercial matter for Magpie Shops and Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action.”