Tartan Gift Shop closing

**Chef** · 21st November 07, 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by Scotus

I hope I didn't give the impression that a lot of these small kilt places are closing. I wouldn't say this is necessarily the case.

Actually I would say that was the case. When I was growing up in Edinburgh there were wonderful kiltmakers and other artisan shops on the Royal Mile. Also plenty of little shops selling gifts to the tourists...but not selling the cr*p that is being sold now. Most of those have been killed off or sold because of pressure from the Tartan Tat crowd.

The ones who are able to survive are the ones like GT/TFCK, the ones with an international reputation. In other words they are a destination. The smaller shops that still need the impulse tourist sales are suffering. In part because of misleading labels on the part of the sellers and also I part because of the fact that the buyers don't care.

I refuse to do business with any of the Tartan Tat set. I have two kilts that are not tanks but they came from small sellers like Jerry at SWK who in no way are trying to mislead their customers.

**Ozman1944** · 26th November 07, 10:15 AM

The U.S. dollar exchange rate is so bad vs the Euro; I used to order Vestments from Rome, the prices were very reasonable compared to church supply stores here (100% mark-up). Now, the prices have doubled (at least!) and are way out of reach.
Dollar vs Pound is no better. So I would assume many folk would be having second thoughts about importing things from Europe at this time. Which is a real pity for both sides. My buddies in Australia are heading to the U.S as goods here are half price compared to the Aust. $ right now.

**Galician** · 26th November 07, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by Ozman1944

The U.S. dollar exchange rate is so bad vs the Euro; I used to order Vestments from Rome, the prices were very reasonable compared to church supply stores here (100% mark-up). Now, the prices have doubled (at least!) and are way out of reach. Dollar vs Pound is no better. So I would assume many folk would be having second thoughts about importing things from Europe at this time. Which is a real pity for both sides.

My buddies in Australia are heading to the U.S as goods here are half price compared to the Aust. $ right now.

Really? I guess the shipping charges didn't cancel out the savings? How would you do that, online?

**turnerj** · 20th February 08, 08:35 AM

I bought a kilt, jacket etc. from Graham Muir in July of 2007 which I received in January 2008. I am still awaiting the jacket.

I call the shop constantly and have got through to someone on only a few occasions. Of course, they failed to call me back.

I have to say I found Graham pleasant to deal with when I was in the shop and am surprised with the difficulties I have had. But this sort of customer experience might be an alternative reason why he is experiencing difficulties.

**toneinedin** · 14th March 08, 09:06 AM

While the name "tartan gift shop" may well have been around for 120 years and i will not mind at all being proven wrong but i think you will find Mr Muir acquired this name and the business not that long ago at all.

Also, having been brought up in Edinburgh and knowing the Royal Mile very well i am at actually shocked to see so many good words for the man.

Having been in the store myself I really cant differentiate his from the Gold Bros tat shops even down to the scandelous ripping of customers with inflated prices on Edinburgh Tattoo tickets last year. I was with some friends who were visiting from South Africa and visiting the store was not a very pleasant experience.

**McFarkus** · 14th March 08, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by thescot

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.

Following the documentary on Walmart, I've stopped shopping there and at Sam's Club. I try, when possible to patronized independent local merchants rather than chain stores. Not always easy.

**RockyR** · 15th March 08, 06:23 AM

Originally Posted by McFarkus

Following the documentary on Walmart, I've stopped shopping there and at Sam's Club. I try, when possible to patronized independent local merchants rather than chain stores. Not always easy.

Is standing by you beliefs always easy? No. Is it worth it? Yes.

I haven't spent a dime in Walmart in 5 years. I shop local 90% of the time (if I can't find it local, I try to buy it online from a repuatable "smaller" store).