Historic Glasgow joke shop to close after 138 years
The shop has been at 33 Queen Street since 1886
- Published
A historic Glasgow joke shop, which claims to be the world's oldest family-run magic and joke store, has closed after 138 years.
Tam Shepherds Trick Shop in Queen Street has been run by the same family since 1886 but will now operate exclusively online.
The attached buildings - formerly the site of the Archaos nightclub - are set to be redeveloped into student flats.
The shop's owners cited "uncertainty over the redevelopment" and "high costs of being a small independent shop in the city centre" as the reasons for closure.
The popular shop has been run by the same family since the 1800s
In a statement posted to social media, external, they said: "We are sad to announce that Saturday 9 November 2024 was the last day of trading from our long established bricks and mortar shop in Queen Street.
"Tam Shepherds will continue with our online shop 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."
In August, Glasgow City Council city planners approved proposals from developers Carrick Properties and CA Ventures for a 14-storey block of student accommodation, encompassing 21-41 Queen Street.
The new block is set to include 195 beds, a cinema, gym and games lounge.
The building was formerly the site of the Archaos nightclub, a popular music venue, before it closed in 2007.
The plans for the building's redevelopment included a ground floor retail space, which had been intended to house Tam Shepherds.
CA Ventures has been contacted for comment.
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