A familiar fixture of Perth’s Bridgend area, the Bridgend Card Centre, is preparing to close its doors permanently by December, marking the end of an era for many local residents. The decision stems from a significant decline in visitor numbers to the West Bridge Street premises, a challenge increasingly faced by independent retailers in the city.
For over a decade, this establishment has been an integral part of News Direct Perth, a crucial newspaper distribution service serving homes and businesses across the entire city. While the card retail section will cease operations, owner Ian Morgan, a veteran newsagent with 50 years of dedicated service to Perth, reassures the community that the essential newspaper delivery arm of News Direct Perth will continue its vital work without interruption. A Legacy of Local Service and Adapting to Change
Ian Morgan, at 70 years old, embodies the spirit of local enterprise and resilience. His half-century tenure as a newsagent in Perth speaks volumes about his commitment to the community. Over the years, he has witnessed and navigated numerous changes in the retail sector, consistently striving to keep his local services viable.
The current premises on West Bridge Street became home to News Direct Perth over ten years ago. Initially, Ian had considered other options but quickly realised the long-term benefits of owning the property and consolidating his distribution business there. This strategic move led to the creation of the Bridgend Card Centre around 2019, an endeavour aimed at diversifying the business and better serving the neighbourhood’s needs. For several years prior, the location also housed a post office, which, unfortunately, had to close in 2022 due to dwindling customer traffic. This earlier closure foreshadowed the pressures now impacting the card shop. Economic Headwinds and Community Impact
The decision to close the card centre was not made lightly and highlights the growing economic pressures on small businesses in Perth. Ian explains that the card shop has, for some time, been financially supported by the more robust newspaper distribution service, to the tune of approximately £1,500 per month. This unsustainable model, coupled with a persistent lack of pedestrian activity on West Bridge Street, made continued operation unfeasible.
The rising cost of goods and services, particularly postage, has further exacerbated the situation. As Ian poignantly notes, the expense of sending a greeting card can sometimes outweigh the cost of the card itself, a clear indicator of the financial squeeze affecting both consumers and retailers alike. This trend reflects broader national challenges but has a very tangible local impact on the everyday choices of Perth and Kinross residents. News Direct Perth: Continuing an Essential Service
Despite the closure of the card shop, News Direct Perth remains fully operational and committed to its customers. The newspaper distribution service, which currently boasts eight delivery vehicles, is a cornerstone of the community, ensuring that daily news reaches homes across the city. Patrons will still be able to visit the premises to purchase newspapers in person, as the storefront will continue to be staffed until 11 am. A card machine and till will also remain available for these transactions, ensuring a smooth transition for existing customers.
The closure of Bridgend Card Centre serves as a stark reminder of the evolving retail landscape and the importance of community support for local businesses. While saying goodbye to a beloved card shop is difficult, the enduring dedication of Ian Morgan and the continued service of News Direct Perth ensure that a piece of Perth’s commercial heritage will persist, adapting once again to serve its loyal clientele.
To assist with the transition, all greeting cards at Bridgend Card Centre are currently reduced by 50% while stocks last. The shop is expected to conclude its operations by December, offering a final opportunity for residents to support this local venture before its closure.
For over a decade, this establishment has been an integral part of News Direct Perth, a crucial newspaper distribution service serving homes and businesses across the entire city. While the card retail section will cease operations, owner Ian Morgan, a veteran newsagent with 50 years of dedicated service to Perth, reassures the community that the essential newspaper delivery arm of News Direct Perth will continue its vital work without interruption. A Legacy of Local Service and Adapting to Change
Ian Morgan, at 70 years old, embodies the spirit of local enterprise and resilience. His half-century tenure as a newsagent in Perth speaks volumes about his commitment to the community. Over the years, he has witnessed and navigated numerous changes in the retail sector, consistently striving to keep his local services viable.
The current premises on West Bridge Street became home to News Direct Perth over ten years ago. Initially, Ian had considered other options but quickly realised the long-term benefits of owning the property and consolidating his distribution business there. This strategic move led to the creation of the Bridgend Card Centre around 2019, an endeavour aimed at diversifying the business and better serving the neighbourhood’s needs. For several years prior, the location also housed a post office, which, unfortunately, had to close in 2022 due to dwindling customer traffic. This earlier closure foreshadowed the pressures now impacting the card shop. Economic Headwinds and Community Impact
The decision to close the card centre was not made lightly and highlights the growing economic pressures on small businesses in Perth. Ian explains that the card shop has, for some time, been financially supported by the more robust newspaper distribution service, to the tune of approximately £1,500 per month. This unsustainable model, coupled with a persistent lack of pedestrian activity on West Bridge Street, made continued operation unfeasible.
The rising cost of goods and services, particularly postage, has further exacerbated the situation. As Ian poignantly notes, the expense of sending a greeting card can sometimes outweigh the cost of the card itself, a clear indicator of the financial squeeze affecting both consumers and retailers alike. This trend reflects broader national challenges but has a very tangible local impact on the everyday choices of Perth and Kinross residents. News Direct Perth: Continuing an Essential Service
Despite the closure of the card shop, News Direct Perth remains fully operational and committed to its customers. The newspaper distribution service, which currently boasts eight delivery vehicles, is a cornerstone of the community, ensuring that daily news reaches homes across the city. Patrons will still be able to visit the premises to purchase newspapers in person, as the storefront will continue to be staffed until 11 am. A card machine and till will also remain available for these transactions, ensuring a smooth transition for existing customers.
The closure of Bridgend Card Centre serves as a stark reminder of the evolving retail landscape and the importance of community support for local businesses. While saying goodbye to a beloved card shop is difficult, the enduring dedication of Ian Morgan and the continued service of News Direct Perth ensure that a piece of Perth’s commercial heritage will persist, adapting once again to serve its loyal clientele.
To assist with the transition, all greeting cards at Bridgend Card Centre are currently reduced by 50% while stocks last. The shop is expected to conclude its operations by December, offering a final opportunity for residents to support this local venture before its closure.