A century of shopping local with Frasers of Ellon

Champions of shopping local since the early 1900s, Frasers of Ellon is one of our modern market town’s oldest businesses. Business development director Leanne Watt lets us in on some of the secrets of this wildly successful business, which makes dream homes a reality…

“The Frasers’ family business originated well over 100 years ago, the oldest record of it being a picture of a horse and cart bearing the name of James Fraser, Whitecairns. At that time the business was a general merchants and tailors and, apart from trading locally, the horse and cart was taken to the market on The Green in Aberdeen.

Later, James’ son, Alexander, acquired a property in Station Road, Ellon, and had a general merchant’s shop. Around 1930, he decided to venture into the house furnishing trade, so a disused church in Ythan Terrace was bought and converted into a showroom. It was good timing – the post-war era saw a huge demand for furniture as people recovered and began to rebuild their homes.

By the early 1950s, Alexander began handing control over to his sons. The eldest, Sandy, took over the general merchants in Station Road while second son James led the Ythan Terrace furniture store. He was joined by John Stephen, who brought upholstery and carpet fitting skills as well as bags of passion for growing the business.

The sixties, seventies and eighties saw development of the original buildings, a new purpose-built space and construction work that linked Frasers’ existing buildings in Ythan Terrace. Finally, all the showroom areas would be together under one roof.”

“Now, Frasers of Ellon remains a family-run, local business. We recently got a fresh new look but still offer the same high level of customer service and value for money we’re known for. Our home furnishings service, from carpets and flooring through to sofas, beds and homewares, comes with all the advice you need and free delivery within 40 miles.

The goal still is, and always will be, to maintain our loyal customer base. Our friendly, local team of 27 is here to make their lives easier.”

Pop in to see what’s on offer or check out social media for a sneak peek of the latest bargains. Happy shopping!

“As Ellon has grown over the years, so has our business and we’ve been able to recruit more local people. Many have joined straight from school and stayed for their whole working lives. Lots of our team have been with us for many, many years and customers have grown to know the friendly faces they’ll be greeted with in store.”

Has the customer base developed over the years?
Yes – we have both domestic and contract customers, and our carry out a lot of flooring work for local and national housebuilders.

What’s been the biggest contributor to your business success?
Our loyal customers. Some of today’s customers are fourth generation, carrying on the shopping traditions of their parents and grandparents.

How’s business post-pandemic?
We’re enjoying being face-to-face with customers again, doing what we do best. And we’ve been improving the showroom to provide the best shopping experience we can.

Where will Frasers of Ellon be in five years’ time?
Hopefully still furnishing the homes of the Ellon community with our loyal customers continuing to shop local with us.

Frasers of Ellon
Address: Ythan Terrace, Ellon, AB41 9LL
email: salesdesk@frasersofellon.co.uk
Call: 01358 720363
Visit: www.frasersofellon.co.uk

Open: Monday to Saturday from 9.30am until 5pm.

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