A SCOTTISH bookshop has announced that it will be closing its doors for good after 144 years in business.
J & G Innes Ltd, in St Andrews, will shut down on the final day of 2023, according to a message posted on its website.
The family-run bookshop, on the corner of South Street and Church Street in the town’s medieval quarter, first opened in 1879. It is well-known in the area for its carved wooden frontage.
On the first floor, there is also a gallery known as @ J & G Innes.
The message posted on the bookshop’s website states: “J & G Innes Ltd will be closing down on the 31st of December 2023.
“We would like to thank all our customers past and present for all their support. We couldn't have lasted for 144 years without you!
“We wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a Happy Healthy New Year 2024.
“Best wishes from Jude and Team. 1879-2023.”
According to Visit Scotland’s website, J & G Innes is a “family-run stationers, art suppliers, booksellers and gift shop … selling local prints, cards, toys, games, books, notebooks, newspapers, magazines and stationery.”
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Reacting to the news on social media, the Crossgate Centre pro-independence account wrote: “A genuine end of an era in retailing in St Andrews. Won't be the same without J & G Innes operating from that distinctive corner premises after 144 years.”
DC Thomson managing editor Graham Huband wrote: “Very sad to see this St Andrews icon preparing to shut its doors. Independent bookshop and stationer is no easy gig these days.”
The Courier journalist Michael Alexander added: “An historic shop with a distinctive building but also memorable for its distinctive ‘stationers’ smell.
“My earliest memories? Visits as a youngster to choose ‘Mr Men’ books – and later buying stationery for school! Sad loss, but another example of changing times…”
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