SPECIALIST SHOPS ARE fast mapping out a new future for shopping the Moray’s town centres – and for local men the latest may be of particular interest.
In the fight against out of town superstores a realism is growing that smaller in-town shops need to cater for areas that are perhaps not included by the national chains.
Hence the appearance of Sirology – a men-only retail destination on Elgin’s Batchen Street.
However, the owners stress that the girls are also welcome – but all they will find are products for the boys, from moisturisers and shaving equipment to Ashwood leather man bags and wallets – with a little pirate twist thrown in there too, thanks to their range of Bluebeard’s Revenge products.
The retail duo behind Sirology, Linda Littlewood and Richard Cumming, had spoken about launching their own business ever since they became friends through a chance meeting – Richard sold Linda’s house for her when he worked as an estate agent.
The Moray pair instantly hit it off and through shared tastes in style (and an equal love of gin), their friendship has evolved into a retail partnership.
Both come from local retail families, with Linda’s late father owning Dennis Mitchell House Furnisher in Keith and Richard’s late father operating K Cumming and Son butchers in Rosemarkie.
Richard told insideMoray: “It feels like we’re carrying on our families’ traditions. We want to bring back the good old fashioned individual service we always saw when we were growing up, where customers matter and you get to know people and what they want.
“We want people, men especially, to feel comfortable coming in to shop for themselves.”
As well as the fun skull-and-crossbone adorned Bluebeard’s Revenge range, Sirology also stocks L’Anza and La Biosthetique skincare products which have purifying properties.
And for those guys who simply balk at the thought of spending time shopping, Sirology offers a ‘click and collect service’ on their website so men can spend as little time shopping as they want.
Others will want to stay and browse, however, at the range of products you struggle to find elsewhere in the area.
Although it’s all about the boys at Sirology, women are a huge part of the business too – as Linda explains: “We obviously want women to enjoy coming here too, as there are loads of gift ideas for their husbands, boyfriends, sons, and dads.
“We can tailor bespoke gift packages to each customer and wrap them too. You won’t be able to get the same gift pack anywhere else, which is part of the appeal.
“With us, it’s all about being individual and getting something a bit special.”
Sirology will open its doors on Saturday – for more information visit their Facebook Page.
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