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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Kirsty Paterson

'Vast majority' of Falkirk shops will close on the day of Queen's funeral

Many shops and businesses across Falkirk will be closed on Monday, September 19 for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

From major supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl to small independent shops, many businesses have now taken the decision to close their doors as a mark of respect.

Elaine Grant, manager of Falkirk Delivers, confirmed that many of Falkirk's 600-plus town centre businesses will be closing for the day, including the "vast majority" of shops.

Read more: Falkirk schools and GPs will close on the day of Her Majesty the Queen's funeral

Some hospitality businesses will stay open but customers are advised to check as several have also announced their intention to close.

The news of the Queen's passing has already had an impact on trade and a further day's closure will be difficult for many but Elaine says there have been no complaints from retailers.

Runway Boutique and Tom, Dick and Harry Menswear changed their windows to all-black display (LDRS)

She said: "The business community is seeing it as the right thing to do as a mark of respect for the Queen. They are also respecting their employees who will want to spend time at home and watch the funeral on tv."

"There is no doubt that a lot of businesses have seen a downturn in trade because a lot of people have been sitting at home watching the television or going to Edinburgh.

"But we have not heard any complaints - far from it. Everybody is happy to do it because it's the right thing to do."

A few businesses immediately changed their windows and displays in reaction to the news.

As soon as the news broke of the Queen's death, Runway Boutique along with its neighbour Tom, Dick and Harry Menswear in Callendar Riggs swapped their window displays to all black.

The owner of both shops Pat Walker said she didn't even consider opening on Monday: "We're closing as a mark of respect to the Queen.

"It's for the staff as well - we're all going to sit at home and watch the funeral. It's a historical event and we are all grateful for what she's done for us over the years.

"She's a fabulous lady - a great inspiration and I think we should mark the event so I'm very happy to close."

While some hospitality businesses are choosing to remain open, many will be closed for the day.

Erdel Ozer is the owner of the Allotment Cafe in the Howgate, Falkirk and he too said that making the decision to close was an easy one.

The popular cafe was recently named Best Cafe in Falkirk & Stirling and Edel said the eaterie is all about "the spirit of community".

"We are all about community - all our customers are local and it is all about making them feel at home when they come in," he said.

He felt strongly that closing for the day was what his customers would want and said it was an easy decision to make.

While Cineworld in Falkirk will close for the day, the Hippodrome, Bo'ness, will be screening the live broadcast of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

Seats are free and there will be complimentary bottled water but no other snacks or drinks available for purchase. To reserve a seat call 01324 506850.

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