Perth photo store that closed after 40 years given new lease of life by loyal customer

dailyrecord.co.uk:

As COVID rules ease, Perth city centre is still reeling from months of closures and restrictions. In a series of special reports, the PA is looking at how the Fair City’s retail and hospitality sector is recovering from the impact of the pandemic and what the future holds for our high street... A Perth photo store that closed after 40 years has been given a new lease of life by a dedicated local customer.

And professional photographer Shaun Ward, who took over the business, says the Scott Street outlet has been in high demand after bouncing back from COVID restrictions.Previously run as JRS Photo Hardware, in December former owner Alister Walker announced he would step down “with great regret” after 20 years when the lease was up due to health reasons.The store closed on Christmas Eve having been severely affected by COVID and “two disastrous lockdowns” but was handed a festive miracle when local snapper Shaun (53) stepped in.

Shaun undertook an extensive renovation inside the newly-rebranded Perth Photo Lab including the removal of high end cameras and equipment from its stock.

Shaun, who has lived most of his life in Perth, explained: “I am a photographer and have been for 30-odd years.“I often do school and universities and I used this place often for quick prints.“Then when Alister said he was closing down the shop that is when I thought I had to come up with a solution.“The process to take it over started in early December and by the twenty-third, I had signed the contract.“It was pretty hectic.“But I was quite excited because I knew what I wanted to do and what was here before.“I had not previously run a shop.“Then I spent two weeks to change the place and move things about.“We used to sell camera equipment but we