Mostyn McKenzie, a venerable family-owned shoe retail business established in Aberdeen in 1966, has ceased trading following the closure of its final retail outlet in Perth. The closure marks the end of nearly six decades of operations for the company, founded by Albert McKenzie, which at its peak operated five stores across the United Kingdom.
The business commenced its journey on Rosemount Viaduct in Aberdeen, subsequently relocating to Bridge Street, Union Street, and finally occupying a unit within the Trinity Centre. Over the decades, Mostyn McKenzie expanded its footprint, opening branches in Broughty Ferry, Edinburgh, Perth, and Tenterden in Kent.
The gradual winding down of the company’s retail presence began with the closure of its original Aberdeen store in 2023. This was followed by the closure of the Broughty Ferry and Edinburgh shops in January 2026. The Tenterden branch in Kent concluded its trading activities on 28 February 2026. The Perth store, situated on St John Street, represents the final chapter, with operations concluding on 20 March 2026.
Graeme McKenzie, son of the founder Albert McKenzie and the company’s managing director, attributed the cessation of trading to a confluence of factors impacting high street retail. Speaking to The Courier, he stated: “High street retail has become increasingly difficult. Costs have increased, shopping habits have changed, we’re finding footfall in Perth has dropped considerably, and our costs have just increased.”
The impact of the global pandemic was also highlighted as a significant factor in the company’s struggles. “The shoe shop part of the business has struggled, and we never really recovered from Covid,” McKenzie confirmed.
While acknowledging the success of the company’s podiatry services, he noted, “the podiatry business is very successful, but unfortunately, it doesn’t offset what we lose in the shoe shop.”
The formal proceedings for the company’s closure were initiated on 2 March 2026, when MOSTYNS (FOOTWEAR) LIMITED passed resolutions for voluntary winding-up. Liquidators were subsequently appointed on 17 March 2026.
