A family-run retailer has called on the West End public to support local businesses.
CCW Clothing has been on Byres Road for five years selling outdoor brands.
The store reopened this week with strict safety measures and precautions in place.
But even though the lights are on, retail director Emily Geddes said the store's future was not guaranteed.
“We have seen difficult times before with the recession and foot and mouth.
“But this has certainly been the hardest it has been.
“As a company, in 35 years, we have never been shut.
'Challenges'
“And certainly the challenges of being shut for three months have been very difficult.
“We are open for business, but there are no guarantees.
“We need the public to support us.
“We need our general area to still come and shop with CCW.
“We have been here for five years now - and we want to be here for as long as possible.”
The business paid staff the extra 20% on top of the furlough payments during lockdown.
Emily said it had been important to invest in employees as well as PPE and screens.
She said: “CCW is a small independent business and our employees are what makes our company what it is.
'We have seen difficult times before with the recession and foot and mouth.'But this has certainly been the hardest it has been.
'As a company, in 35 years, we have never been shut.
“And certainly the challenges of being shut for three months have been very difficult.
'We are open for business, but there are no guarantees.
'We need the public to support us'
Emily Geddes
“They are very important to us.
“We took the decision throughout lockdown to pay our staff the extra 20% because we wanted to alleviate stress.
“And we wanted them to be able to come back and work with us when we reopen.
“We invested in our staff and we also invested in PPE and screens for our tills.
“We want to make life safe for our customers to come back and shop normally at CCW.”
Byres Road was seeing pressure on retailers even before the pandemic crisis hit.
The businesses that remain will be under increased strain following a loss of income during lockdown.
But Emily said the company - which has outlets in Callander and St Andrews - was determined to keep its presence in Glasgow.
'Eclectic mix'
“I think the West End is different to any other part of the city.
“It’s got an eclectic mix of customers and it’s a wonderful place to have a business.
“It does have a local-support-for-small-business atmosphere.
“I just hope that continues throughout the pandemic.
“We have invested heavily in the Byres Road area and now we need people to support us.”
- You can find CCW Clothing at 319-321 Byres Road and at www.ccwclothing.com. The store is also on Facebook and Instagram.
