The Independent department store, Wilkies, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in the town of Ballater, marking a decade of serving its local community.
To celebrate the milestone, Wilkies will host a 10 year Birthday Event from Wednesday 5 August to Sunday 9 August.
Shoppers can expect special offers, free gifts with purchases, and an exclusive in store competition with chance to win £1,000 worth of prizes.
The store opened in 2016 after the Ballater floods, bringing new life to the former department store, McEwens.
Since then the store has become a valued member of the town’s high street, that provides a unique and independent shopping experience for local customers and town visitors.
Wilkies believed Ballater deserved a strong independent store in the heart of town that could serve both the local community and those who visit the Royal Deeside, despite the major commitment to the size of the store.
Throughout the pandemic and rising business costs, Wilkies Ballater has faced many challenges but has never failed to serve, it now remains one of only six stores across Scotland with shop doors still open.
The other remaining stores are Helensburgh, Peebles, Largs, Castle Douglas and Perth. Stirling used to have a Wilkies store however doors closed in 2018 due to lack of footfall.
Managing Director, Karen Forret, said: “We found that people didn’t tend to venture much beyond the city centre and, despite Stirling having lots of visitors and tourists, they didn’t always make their way up to the area where the shop was located. The building is now home to the Made in Stirling Store”
Wilkies Ballater is the towns largest independent retailer, providing work to 10 local staff who serve customers in the Royal Deeside and beyond.
Customers have described Wilkies Ballater as “a department store worth the drive”. Attracting both loyal locals, regular Aberdeenshire shoppers, and yearly returning vacationers to the Royal Deeside.
Spread across three floors, the store offers a wide range of products including ladies’ and men’s fashion, footwear, accessories, homeware, nightwear, bedding and towel’s, alongside well-known brands.
Lasting relationships have been built with staff members, some who have served the full decade since opening, who are now familiar faces for returning customers.
Wilkies Ballater has been proud to welcome and serve members of the Royal Household over the years. The team take pride in being a vital part of the Ballater community.
The Wilkies team said, “We’re incredibly proud to be celebrating 10 years in Ballater,”
“We simply wouldn’t be here without the loyalty of our customers. Every purchase made locally helps support independent businesses, local jobs and the future of our high streets.”
“As a town that relies heavily on tourism, the quieter winter months can be challenging while many operating costs remain the same. We really appreciate the support of our local customers, who continue to shop with us throughout the year, especially during the quieter months and when the weather isn’t at its best.”
Managing Director Karen Forret, local manager Monika and the Ballater team hope the anniversary celebrations will not only thank loyal customers but also encourage more people to discover everything Wilkies has to offer.
“Retail is vital to Ballater’s tourism, local community and economy,” added Karen. “We’re proud to be part of Ballater’s High Street and hope to continue serving the community for many years to come. By supporting independent retailers, shoppers are helping to keep both our store and Ballater’s High Street vibrant for future generations.”
