The world’s oldest joke shop, which has been part of Glasgow City Centre for 140 years, has closed its doors for the final time.
Tam Shepherd’s Trick Shop, which opened in 1886, closed permanently on Saturday, November 9.
Owner Jean Walton released a statement at the weekend confirming that the building they operated from is being redeveloped and that uncertainty over its future and ongoing high costs had led to its immediate closing.
However, she confirmed that the business would continue online but would no longer have a “bricks and mortar” presence on Queen Street.
A statement from the family-run business said: “We are sad to announce that Saturday, November 9, 2024, was the last day of trading from our long-established bricks-and-mortar shop in Queen Street.
“The building that we are a part of is to be redeveloped. The new development includes retail space, and we have the opportunity to re-open in what we hope will be a revitalised, small-business friendly, city centre.
“However, the uncertainty over the redevelopment, together with high costs of being a small independent shop in the city centre in the current climate, is not sustainable for us.
“Tam Shepherds will continue with our online shop tamshepherds.com supplying customers with our range of magic, tricks, jokes and costumes.”
In 2017, the shop was named Glasgow’s favourite business at the Glasgow Business Awards.
The shop sold novelty costumes, jokes, and tricks and was popular among magicians and stage conjurers. It is said to have inspired comedian Jerry Sadowitz to pursue a career in magic.
The statement added: “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.”
Developers are looking to create a multi-storey building on the site where the former joke shop and nightclub Archaos once stood.
Officials have recommended that permission be granted for the 14-storey, 195-bed development, which would involve the partial demolition of buildings.
The current façade of the 1830s building will be retained, and a commercial unit and a new courtyard will be built to the rear of Queen Street for residents.
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