Tam Shepherds Trick Shop closes Glasgow Queen Street shop

Tam Shepherds Trick Shop officially marked its last day of trading from its original Queen Street premises on November 9.

The business - which sells magic, jokes, tricks, and costumes - has occupied the same space in the city centre since it was first opened in 1886.

(Image: Newsquest Staff)It is understood that the reason behind the closure is the redevelopment of the building that Tam Shepherds is based in.

Staff at the iconic shop say they will have the opportunity to re-open in the new development which will be home to nearly 200 student flats.

Tam Shepherds in 2018 (Image: Colin Mearns)

However, due to ‘uncertainty’ over the redevelopment and the ‘high costs of being a small business in the city centre’ it is reportedly ‘not sustainable’ for the business. 

At present it will serve customers online HERE.

The news was announced on Tam Shepherds’ Facebook page on Monday. 
(Image: Newsquest Staff)

A statement reads: “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 reopen in what we hope will be a revitalised small business-friendly, city centre.

“However, the uncertainty over the redevelopment, together with the high costs of being a small independent shop in the city centre in the current climate, is not sustainable for us.

“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.”

Customers shared their sadness at the news in the comments.

One person said: “So sad to read this but understand your decision.

“I am 55 years old and remember the first time my dad took me to your shop.

“I was shorter than the glass cabinets. The very best of luck to you and your families.

“Thank you so much for the 50 years, I have enjoyed coming into the shop.”

Another commented: “This is truly the end of an incredible era. The Shepherds Trick Shop sign is iconic and will be sadly missed.

“Much love to the whole family and best of luck for the future.”

A third added: “So sorry to hear this. The shop and Roy were a big part of my magical journey.

“Glad I popped in a couple of weeks ago to say hello and buy a cascade. Which I love performing.

“I wish you all the best for whatever lies ahead.”

The building Tam Shepherds is located within is to be substantially demolished to make way for a 197-bed student accommodation block.

In September, a planning application to transform the site of the former nightclub Archaos at 21-41 Queen Street was approved by Glasgow City Council officials.

Tam Shepherds sits at 33 Queen Street.

Plans outline that the existing structure will be pulled down with only the façade remaining and a 14-storey building will be constructed behind it.

It will be home to nearly 200 student flats with associated facilities and a retail unit on the ground floor.

The development will be carried out by Carrick Properties and CAQN Ltd.

Roy Walton and wife Jean, and daughters Julia and Sarah (Image: Mark F Gibson)

The shop was established by Tam Shepherd in 1886 when Queen Victoria was on the throne.

For the past eight decades, it has been run by the Walton family.

One day in 1965 Roy Walton and his wife Jean were asked to look after Tam Shepherds for two weeks until a new manager could be found.

However, Roy liked the job so much that he quit his previous one and began managing Tam Shepherds permanently.

He worked there from 1969 until 2019.

In 2020, Roy, who was a renowned card magician, sadly died at the age of 87 after battling cancer.

Tam Shepherds was named ‘Glasgow’s Favourite Business’ at the 2017 Glasgow Business Awards held at the Hilton Glasgow.

The award was sponsored by the Glasgow Times.