Tartan Gift Shop closing

**Scotus** · 16th November 07, 03:28 AM

This was just in the news yesterday in _The Scotsman_ (Thursday, November 15):

"Graeme Muir has decided to close down the Tartan Gift Shop, which was established almost 120 years ago.... The move comes amid growing concern over the number of businesses being forced out of Edinburgh's busiest tourist street... The Scottish Tartan Authority today called for more to be done to protect traditional kilts and preserve the Royal Mile, which it has compared to an 'eastern bazaar'."

The reason he is closing is because of the cheap "kilts" being sold in the stores. I have spoken to Graeme a couple of times and I bought my traditional Drummond kilt from him. This is a real shame.

**pdcorlis** · 16th November 07, 07:31 AM

This is NOT good news...

**Scotus** · 16th November 07, 07:43 AM

It's sad. Graeme is a very traditional Scotsman whose shop was right in the middle of a lot of these shops that sell the kilts for 20 pounds along the Royal Mile.

**Clockwork John** · 16th November 07, 08:19 AM

It is a shame indeed.

This is the problem with a global economy... local vendors selling local products almost always lose out to those who outsource to the lowest bidder... it reminds me of the American automotive industry.

**beloitpiper** · 16th November 07, 08:23 AM

The curse of the Gold Brothers strikes again.

**pipesndrumsnun** · 16th November 07, 08:26 AM

That IS sad that a 120 year old business has to close!

**Chase** · 16th November 07, 08:32 AM

Yes, I also think i's a shame...Surely something can be done?

**thescot** · 16th November 07, 09:10 AM

What can be done? Many of us here spend hours talking about how to beat the high cost of a proper tank, so I suspect it's not only the Royal Mile Gold Brothers but each of us who purchase less expensive items which we know are produced in low-cost labor countries.

I'm not touting any change of attitude or practices--not being political in any way--just suggesting that, as mentioned earlier, in a global market, our practices are truly global in their effect. Many of us--and I am gulity as well--lament the passing of mom and pop businesses and then shop at Walmart.

I am truly sorry to see such an old business passing away. And it is NOT good news. What can be done is for a bunch of folks to order handmade kilts from them. If it's not too late.

**Clockwork John** · 16th November 07, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by thescot

What can be done? Many of us here spend hours talking about how to beat the high cost of a proper tank, so I suspect it's not only the Royal Mile Gold Brothers but each of us who purchase less expensive items which we know are produced in low-cost labor countries.

I'm not touting any change of attitude or practices--not being political in any way--just suggesting that, as mentioned earlier, in a global market, our practices are truly global in their effect. Many of us--and I am gulity as well--lament the passing of mom and pop businesses and then shop at Walmart.

I like the Walmart analogy. It's by far the best comparison I've heard. I myself am guilty of this one.

Originally Posted by thescot

I am truly sorry to see such an old business passing away. And it is NOT good news. What can be done is for a bunch of folks to order handmade kilts from them. If it's not too late.

I'm not trying to be argumentative, but we've had this discussion over and over. Not all of us can afford hand made, custom tailored kilts. I own three cheap synthetic kilts, two of which were actually purchased at one of the Gold brother's stores. I know they are not "the real deal," and I wish I could have bought a tank, but at least I have kilts to wear. Would it have been better to not buy a kilt at all?

I wish more used/surplus kilts showed up. I got a great deal on a used Canadian military kilt. This would be a comromise for those of us that can't afford a custom kilt, but don't want a knock off either.

It is truly a shame to see such an old business pass on. It's not just the store, it's the people. I have watched huge chain stores drive many small businesses out in my home town, and I've lost touch with many people I used to see on a regular basis because I would frequent their shops. It is truly a shame.