Superdrug will close its only store in Elgin this weekend – leaving yet another hole in the St Giles Centre.
The heath and beauty retailer has announced that the shop will shut for the final time at 5pm on Saturday.
Customers will now need to travel 40 miles to Inverness to their nearest Superdrug.
Superdrug officials confirmed the closure was due to the rental lease ending.
However, the team hope to open new stores in local retail parks in the future.
Staff working in the Elgin store are now being supported in finding alternative roles.
It is the latest business to hit the brakes on trading at the once bustling shopping centre following a string of closures over the last few years.
Only a handful of stores have remained open at St Giles Centre after companies like Trespass, Dorothy Jacks and Monsoon moved out.
A spokeswoman said: “It has been confirmed that the Elgin Superdrug store is due to close on 20th August.
“The store closure is due to the lease ending, with the Superdrug team hoping to open in local retail parks in the future.
“All team members have been offered positions in other stores and the store team will continue to support staff in finding alternative positions in the Elgin area.”
‘Sad to see Superdrug close’
Locals and staff members have now taken to social media to share their memories.
Steph Hendry, who has been working at Superdrug in Elgin for eight years, posted on Facebook: “Not the post I want to be writing, but I need to man up and accept it’s happening. Unfortunately on Saturday, August 20, Superdrug Elgin will sadly close.
“I have been in the store for eight years and feel like I’ve grew up a lot in this time within my professional career and also learnt a hell of a lot.
“I have had the privilege of working with some awesome people over the years, I absolutely love my job and am genuinely gutted to be closing.
“To all the staff that have made the store an amazing place to work and all of our customers who have supported us over the many years, thank you so much.”
‘Another sign of Elgin town centre dying’
Others have praised the store for the “amazing” customer service, saying it will be a “huge loss” to the town.
With a number of shops closing in recent times, they have also said this is “another sign of the town centre dying”.
Lisa Fitchett wrote: “My number one choice for my ‘me time’ products. That’s shocking.”
Gemma Anderson posted: “So many memories here! So sad to see it go.”
Karen Nealer said: “The friendly staff make this my go-to shop for make up. Will be a big loss to the town. Wishing everyone the best of luck in finding new jobs.”
Julie Swayze wrote: “Such a shame, all the staff are great. I guess it’s another sign of Elgin town centre dying.”
Superdrug has been approached for a comment.
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