Ella Bulloch hats: Glasgow's oldest hat shop to close after 61 years as owners share 'difficult decision'

Ella Bulloch Hats & Accessories in Muirend, which has been trading since 1964, is known by locals for its high quality hats and headpieces for weddings and special occasions.

Customers can choose from a generous selection of Trilbys, felt Fedoras, fascinators, cocktail hats, headbands, rain hats and statement headpieces in a host of different colours.

But now, bosses Gordon and Carol Bulloch have announced the shop’s closure after 61 years, citing cost pressures and declining demand.

The last day of opening will be on Saturday December 20, and until then a closing down sale is taking place with at least 50% off on their current stock.

The pair’s statement, which was posted on Facebook, said: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that we are closing our family business, Ella Bulloch Hats & Accessories, Glasgow’s oldest hat shop.

“Opened by Ella in August 1964, for over 61 years our friendly and skilled staff have advised generations of women on choosing hats and accessories. Our decision to close is a difficult one.

“The effects of a number of events over the past few years have contributed to our decision to close. The Covid pandemic, the cost of living crisis, rising costs, and a shift towards less formal weddings have meant less hats are being bought overall.

“The increase in online shopping - and consequential nationwide decrease in traditional High Street shopping - has adversely affected us too.”

The owners’ continued: “This is indeed a sad time, but we would like to thank our customers for their support and trust over so many years, allowing us to share in important events such as weddings, investitures, Royal Ascot and many, many more. We have loved seeing all your beautiful outfits and hearing all your stories.

“We would like to thank our wonderful staff, past and present, for their enthusiasm, professionalism, commitment to high quality of customer service over the years.

“Ella retired in 2013 aged 99 and moved to be near us, some 160 miles from the shop. We could not have kept the business going this far without our trusted team: we know how much they love their work and how saddened they are that we are closing.

“When she opened her shop in 1964 Ella would not have imagined that her beloved business would still be going in 2025. We are very sorry the time has come to close, and we know our gorgeous window displays will be missed by passers-by on Clarkston Road, but we are proud to have been part of the “Glasgow institution” which is Ella Bulloch Hats & Accessories.

“Thank you to everyone who has been part of our story.”

In response to the statement, one customer said: “I used to love coming to the shop for wedding hats and for inspiration when I began making hats of my own. It’s sad to see such a longstanding, local business closing.”

Another said: “So sorry to read this. Visiting your lovely shop and lovely ladies was one of the nicest experiences I had in the run up to my daughter’s wedding. You will be missed enormously.”