Nairn firm’s Inverness shops reopen
ALTHOUGH Nairn-based family firm Ashers never stopped working over lockdown, supplying shops across the Highlands, it has taken longer for its two Inverness city centre shops to reopen.
However, both its Union Street shop and café and the Farraline Park branch at Inverness Bus Station are now back in business, although the latter is operating on reduced Monday to Friday hours.
“We have lost some of our café sales, but once things pick up again we will re-introduce things that customers like,” director Ali Asher said.
“There are some things we stopped doing to be a bit more efficient, but as time goes on, we will re-introduce them, if not permanently, at least from time to time.”
Ali, a fourth generation member of the family business, also paid tribute to the staff whose efforts were seeing the business through the Covid challenge.
“They have all been working very hard and we have been really appreciative of their efforts and their understanding, but it is different and we have all had to adapt,” he said.
“We also have many loyal customers who continue to shop with us. Just as we appreciate our staff, we appreciate our customers as well.”
Organisations such as Inverness Business Improvement District (BID), had also been supportive, he said.
“BID and Chamber of Commerce and all our trade associations have been very good at providing updates on a regular basis,” Mr Asher said.
“Information has not always been very clear, guidelines and interpretations of guidelines can change, so it helps they are able to clarify those.”
