A well-loved shop which has prided itself on being “a bit different” for the last three decades will soon be closing for the last time.
Relax in Elgin, which sells furniture and other housewares, is to shut after 32 years in business.
The Lossie Wynd mainstay launched its closing down sale last night, following owner Alastair Grant’s decision to retire at the age of 71.
Shop manager Rebecca Mayne said: “He has a busy lifestyle and now he wants to move onto that part of things and take some holidays.
“It’s not as busy as it used to be back when I started here nine years ago, with the internet becoming more popular things have moved on in business.
“But rather than sell the shop he would rather move on.”
Relax in Elgin first opened in 1985 with a focus on selling pine furniture.
Mr Grant’s desire to help people fill their homes with slightly unusual wares soon led him to importing pieces from Scandinavia.
His keen eye for something unique never faltered and more recently, he had been looking to Spain for inspiration.
“The shop was always different,” Ms Mayne said.
“So we’ve always had those crowds of people looking for something a bit quirky.
“We have had some regulars who have been shopping with us since 1985 and have furnished many rooms in their houses over the years.”
She added: “Everybody is very sad. We have been here for them for what feels like forever.
“A lot of people came here with their parents when they were young, but they have kept coming in and kept up the tradition.”
While the shop’s closing down sale began last night, the shop could be around for a few weeks yet.
Ms Mayne said: “We are just continuing on as we have to clear everything out.
“We do have to be out by the end of April though, as another company is moving in.
“It has been a comfort to people to know it’s not going to be lying empty.”