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Negative blow turns into a UNIQUE retail opportunity

Imagine building up a business from nothing over 30 years to be told that your store is going to have to close due to the redevelopment of the area with a swimming pool and leisure area.


That was exactly what happened to ‘Unique’ clothing store owners, Jim and Callum McKay.

For over 30 years, UNIQUE 1989 has provided Ayrshire with high-end fashion & quality service, making a name for themselves as one of the most premium stores in the area. Bringing big city brands to the small towns of Ayrshire, UNIQUE have built long-lasting relationships generating a strong, loyal following.

Throughout lockdown early this year, the family business was handed what felt like a major blow from South Ayrshire Council as the store owners of the Arran Mall were notified that they had less than a year to vacate the premises as the mall was set to be demolished and become a swimming & leisure centre, with gardens in place of the Alloway Street store.

With no time to spare and a forward-thinking, growth-focused approach, both Jim & Callum McKay got to work and started planning the future of their business and brand in the form of larger premises in a busier area.

It just so happened that HMV, now located on Ayr Highstreet, we’re leaving their long-standing spot in Ayr Central Shopping Centre. UNIQUE management immediately contacted the centre and before long, the hard work began! Over the past few months, the UNIQUE team have been working tirelessly to create an open, inviting & luxury space to shop in.


Owners Jim & Callum McKay had this to say about the move:

“It was a huge concern moving from the street we established our business from in 1989, especially off the back of 2 lockdowns which affected retail, hospitality & other business sectors in our area massively! Without our loyal customers continuing to back us throughout this period, ordering from our site and coming back into the shop after restrictions were lifted, we seriously don’t think we would have been able to make this move happen. We owe them a huge thank you for their loyalty.”

Already stocking brands such as Stone Island, Hugo Boss, C.P Company, Paul Smith, Bellstaff, Kenzo, Forty, Edwin & loads more, UNIQUE’s larger premises has made way for all new brands & styles including a ‘Streetwear’ menswear section and a whole womenswear collection focusing on outerwear, loungewear & gym wear coming soon in Spring/Summer 2022.

UNIQUE 1989 would like to take this opportunity to extend their gratitude to everyone, from their ‘regulars’ to the new faces who have visited the new store already.

UNIQUE will be open with regular hours, in the lead up to Christmas and with clothing & brands at all price points, it’s the perfect place to get those last-minute gifts before the big day on Saturday. The store will also be holding their annual Boxing Day sale at their new store with up to 50% OFF selected brands, they hope to see you there!

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