In the heart of Crieff, a remarkable retail establishment is celebrating a significant milestone. Valentines of Crieff, a cherished clothing store, recently marked its 100th year in business. This achievement is particularly noteworthy in today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven retail landscape, where many independent businesses struggle to compete with online giants.
Established in 1925 by the Valentine family, the store has stood the test of time, evolving from its origins as a local purveyor of clothing to a destination shop attracting customers from across Scotland and even beyond. Current owner, David Agnew, acquired the business in 2001 with his sister, Halina. Together, they expanded the shop’s offerings, broadening its appeal to a wider age range, attracting not only the mature clientele of its earlier years, but also customers in their 20s and 30s. Halina subsequently retired, leaving David to manage the thriving enterprise. A Unique Shopping Experience
In a world dominated by e-commerce, Valentines of Crieff has chosen to remain primarily an offline retailer. This decision isn’t born of stubbornness or resistance to technology, but rather a thoughtful understanding of the unique value proposition of a physical store. David Agnew emphasises the importance of the tactile experience of clothing. He argues that the feel, drape, and fit of fabric are nearly impossible to convey through a website or online catalogue. This personal touch extends to the carefully curated collection of items, representing a diverse range of styles unavailable in many standardised clothing retailers. While social media is utilized to showcase some select items, the core of the business remains committed to the traditional, personal retail experience. Customers can, of course, arrange to have items posted directly to them, but the immersive experience of shopping within the store is a key part of the brand identity. A Destination Store for Fashion Enthusiasts
Year after year, Valentines of Crieff has experienced consistent growth in sales despite the economic challenges facing many high street businesses. Its success is closely tied to its loyal customer base, many of whom travel considerable distances—from Aberdeen in the North to Ayrshire in the South—to visit the store. The shop has even garnered a following outside of Scotland, with regular customers travelling from England to Crieff for their shopping. This sustained growth speaks to the success of the store’s unique approach to retail, proving that the personal touch remains an important element of the shopping experience for customers. This success story counters the narrative of the struggling high street and serves as an excellent example of adapting to change while respecting traditional values. Investing in the Future
The longevity of Valentines of Crieff is further supported by its dedicated team of ten employees. David Agnew demonstrates a thoughtful commitment to developing the skills and knowledge of his staff. He has begun training employees in the intricacies of sourcing and selecting new clothing lines. This initiative not only ensures continuity in the store’s carefully chosen aesthetic, but also cultivates the next generation of retail professionals. The commitment to employee growth is a testament to Agnew’s long-term vision for the shop, ensuring that Valentines of Crieff continues to thrive for another 100 years.
While acknowledging increased operational costs, and the challenges faced by numerous retail establishments in the current economic environment, Valentines of Crieff has managed to navigate these obstacles without compromising its pricing policy. The store’s dedication to its unique in-store experience and commitment to its dedicated staff have become key to weathering these storms. The commitment to keeping prices competitive, coupled with the celebratory anniversary offers planned for June and July, points towards a continued bright future for this stalwart Crieff institution. Its success serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved by fostering a strong connection with the community and embracing a distinctive approach to retail in challenging times. As many businesses grapple with the demands of the modern market, Valentines of Crieff shows that building strong personal connections and offering a uniquely personal customer experience can be a winning strategy.
Valentines of Crieff stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of independent businesses, a true gem for the local community in Perth and Kinross, and a shining example of how traditional values can coexist with a modern and successful business model.
Established in 1925 by the Valentine family, the store has stood the test of time, evolving from its origins as a local purveyor of clothing to a destination shop attracting customers from across Scotland and even beyond. Current owner, David Agnew, acquired the business in 2001 with his sister, Halina. Together, they expanded the shop’s offerings, broadening its appeal to a wider age range, attracting not only the mature clientele of its earlier years, but also customers in their 20s and 30s. Halina subsequently retired, leaving David to manage the thriving enterprise. A Unique Shopping Experience
In a world dominated by e-commerce, Valentines of Crieff has chosen to remain primarily an offline retailer. This decision isn’t born of stubbornness or resistance to technology, but rather a thoughtful understanding of the unique value proposition of a physical store. David Agnew emphasises the importance of the tactile experience of clothing. He argues that the feel, drape, and fit of fabric are nearly impossible to convey through a website or online catalogue. This personal touch extends to the carefully curated collection of items, representing a diverse range of styles unavailable in many standardised clothing retailers. While social media is utilized to showcase some select items, the core of the business remains committed to the traditional, personal retail experience. Customers can, of course, arrange to have items posted directly to them, but the immersive experience of shopping within the store is a key part of the brand identity. A Destination Store for Fashion Enthusiasts
Year after year, Valentines of Crieff has experienced consistent growth in sales despite the economic challenges facing many high street businesses. Its success is closely tied to its loyal customer base, many of whom travel considerable distances—from Aberdeen in the North to Ayrshire in the South—to visit the store. The shop has even garnered a following outside of Scotland, with regular customers travelling from England to Crieff for their shopping. This sustained growth speaks to the success of the store’s unique approach to retail, proving that the personal touch remains an important element of the shopping experience for customers. This success story counters the narrative of the struggling high street and serves as an excellent example of adapting to change while respecting traditional values. Investing in the Future
The longevity of Valentines of Crieff is further supported by its dedicated team of ten employees. David Agnew demonstrates a thoughtful commitment to developing the skills and knowledge of his staff. He has begun training employees in the intricacies of sourcing and selecting new clothing lines. This initiative not only ensures continuity in the store’s carefully chosen aesthetic, but also cultivates the next generation of retail professionals. The commitment to employee growth is a testament to Agnew’s long-term vision for the shop, ensuring that Valentines of Crieff continues to thrive for another 100 years.
While acknowledging increased operational costs, and the challenges faced by numerous retail establishments in the current economic environment, Valentines of Crieff has managed to navigate these obstacles without compromising its pricing policy. The store’s dedication to its unique in-store experience and commitment to its dedicated staff have become key to weathering these storms. The commitment to keeping prices competitive, coupled with the celebratory anniversary offers planned for June and July, points towards a continued bright future for this stalwart Crieff institution. Its success serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved by fostering a strong connection with the community and embracing a distinctive approach to retail in challenging times. As many businesses grapple with the demands of the modern market, Valentines of Crieff shows that building strong personal connections and offering a uniquely personal customer experience can be a winning strategy.
Valentines of Crieff stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of independent businesses, a true gem for the local community in Perth and Kinross, and a shining example of how traditional values can coexist with a modern and successful business model.