Yahoo News Glasgow's oldest joke shop Tam Shepherds closes after nearly 140 years in city centre
Glasgow's oldest joke and trick shop Tam Shepherds has closed after nearly 140 years in the city centre.
The Queen Street shop, which was first established in 1886 by Tam Shepherd, has been operated by the Walton family for more than 75 years. It is said to be the oldest magic shop in the world and has served countless generations of Glaswegians in its time.
However, the days of a brick-and-mortar shop appear to have come to an end. The site, which includes the former nightclub Archaos, is set to be partially demolished to make way for a 14-storey student accommodation block.
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The green-lit project will see 195 beds and a ground-floor retail unit built alongside a cinema, gym, games lounge, dining room, and study area.
Owner Jean Watson took to social media to share the 'sad' news that the iconic store stopped trading on November 9, citing concerns over the uncertainty over a redevelopment and high operating costs which has made the business unsustainable.
A statement posted on social media read: "“We are sad to announce that Saturday 9th November 2024 was the last day of trading from our long established bricks and mortar shop in Queen Street. The building that we are a part of is to be redeveloped. The new development includes retail space, and we have the opportunity to re-open in what we hope will be a revitalised, small-business friendly, city centre.
“However, the uncertainty over the redevelopment, together with high costs of being a small independent shop in the city centre in the current climate, is not sustainable for us."
However, the brand will continue online and the owners hope they will be able to re-open at another location in the future.
It continued: "Tam Shepherds will continue with our online shop tamshepherds.com supplying customers with our range of magic, tricks, jokes and costumes.
“To all our customers and friends, thank you so much for your continued custom and support. We hope to welcome you back in the future. And thank you to Glasgow for making Tam Shepherds the shop it has been.”
Tam Shepherds was run by Roy Walton until he passed away in 2020 at the age of 87. Since then, the business has been run by his family, including Roy's wife Jean and daughters Sarah and Julia.
Following the announcement, heartbroken locals took to social media and shared their memories of the legendary joke store.
Andrew James Speirs wrote: "This is truly the end of an incredible era. The Shepherds Trick Shop sign is iconic and will be sadly missed. I'm gutted I can't come in one more time. Much love to the whole family, and best of luck for the future."
Tommy Templeton said, "The shop and Roy were a big part of my magical journey. I'm glad I popped in a couple of weeks ago to say hello and buy Cascade, which I love performing. I wish you all the best for whatever lies ahead."
Craig Hutcheson added: "I remember my excitement as a kid coming into Glasgow to eventually end up at Tam Shepherds, hoping Roy was behind the counter. He was always happy to perform a trick or routine if you weren't sure before buying. It was a unique and magical place that'll be very much missed. All the best to the family and good luck for the future."
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