After a month-long closure, Box Brand is ready to serve customers again in Elgin.
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After a month of closure, Box Brand, a custom clothing and gifts business, is set to reopen its doors in the heart of Elgin this weekend. The store, which had only recently opened in the St Giles Centre, faced an unexpected relocation due to circumstances beyond its control.
The move has not only been a logistical challenge but also a financial one, costing the small business a staggering £22,000 in renovations and new fixtures.
Financial challenges and emergency funding
Owner Lee Midlane expressed the difficulties faced during this transition.
“The fixtures and fittings we used for the St Giles Centre were whatever we could beg, borrow or steal,” she explained. The business relied heavily on charity shops and online marketplaces to furnish their previous location. However, with the new premises next to their sister business, IT Central, Midlane decided it was time to invest in proper shop fittings. “We’re definitely not planning on moving again,” she added, emphasizing the importance of creating a stable environment for the business.
Renovation efforts and new features
The renovations included extensive electrical work to support a retail counter, heating, lighting, security systems, and flooring. “It’s basically everything from plaster out we’ve had done,” Midlane noted, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the renovations. Despite the hefty price tag, she remains optimistic about the future of Box Brand. The store will not only offer personalized leavers hoodies for local schools but will also manage tickets and merchandise for events like MacMoray.
The importance of a physical presence
While online sales have provided some relief during the closure, Midlane emphasized the necessity of reopening a physical store. “Doing renovation is stressful. We’re planning to open again on Saturday. How we’ll look is anyone’s guess,” she said, acknowledging the chaos that often accompanies such transitions. Despite the uncertainty, the commitment to serving the Elgin community remains strong.
Elgin’s evolving business landscape
Box Brand is not alone in its journey; it is the fourth business from the St Giles Centre to secure a new home in Elgin. Other businesses, such as Ashers Bakery and Gordon and MacPhail, have also found new locations, contributing to the evolving retail landscape of the town. Meanwhile, Ramsdens is in the process of applying for a second-hand dealer’s license, and mobile operator EE continues to operate from a temporary van.
As Box Brand prepares to welcome customers back, the resilience of small businesses in Elgin shines through. The community’s support will be crucial as they navigate this new chapter.
