Aberdeen’s Union Square shopping centre has lost another established retailer as Clarks permanently closed its footwear store after 16 years of trading at the city’s premier retail destination. The closure represents the latest in a series of departures from the shopping complex, which has witnessed significant tenant turnover throughout 2024.
The British footwear giant, which traces its heritage back to 1825, operated from Unit RTU 6 at Union Square since the shopping centre’s early years following its £275 million opening in 2009, having had a presence in Aberdeen city centre since 1972.
The store’s closure comes as Clarks continues implementing a strategic restructuring programme that has seen the company reduce its workforce by over 1,200 positions globally while posting a pre-tax loss of £39.2 million for 2024.
Union Square faces ongoing tenant challenges
Union Square, which attracts approximately 15 million visitors annually with an average spend of £75 per visit, has experienced notable tenant churn throughout 2024. Quiz Clothing departed in September after entering administration, while earlier closures included FatFace, Superdry, and Hollister. However, the centre has secured new tenants including Victoria’s Secret and Hobbs, with Mango reportedly investing over £500,000 in a store refurbishment.
The shopping centre’s performance occurs against a challenging backdrop for Aberdeen’s retail sector. Aberdeen city centre footfall declined 5.9% year-on-year in January 2025, underperforming both Scottish and UK averages. Union Street, the city’s main shopping thoroughfare, currently has between 36-41 vacant ground floor units, with 31 available for purchase or lease.
Rental Market Dynamics
Commercial property data reveals the challenging rental environment facing retailers in Aberdeen. Union Square units command rents ranging from £50,000 annually for prime restaurant spaces to smaller retail units, while Union Street properties are available for significantly lower rates, with some units reduced from £20,000 to £5,000 annually.
Aberdeen City Council has introduced measures to support city centre recovery, including the Fresh Start Relief scheme offering 12 months rate-free periods for qualifying businesses, and an Empty Shops Grant Scheme targeting small and medium enterprises. The council’s recent Business Toolkit launch provides resources for city centre businesses seeking growth opportunities.
In Case You Missed it:
Industry Outlook and Recovery Prospects
Aberdeen’s retail sector showed some resilience during major events, with Union Square reporting record footfall during the Tall Ships festival, surpassing even its launch weekend figures by 5%. The city centre’s £4 million gift card programme has also demonstrated local spending power, becoming the UK’s best-selling local gift card scheme in both 2023 and 2024.
Despite these positive indicators, the retail landscape remains challenging. Store closures increased 28% nationally in 2024, with an estimated 13,479 closures across the UK. For Aberdeen, maintaining a viable retail mix while adapting to changing consumer preferences and economic pressures remains a critical challenge as the city centre continues its regeneration efforts.
