A much-loved outdoor retailer known as the 'best shop in the world' has become the latest victim of Britain's dying High Street. Craigdon Mountain Sports in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, is due to close for good at the March - much to the dismay of the local shoppers. In a Facebook post, shared on Thursday, the business confirmed the closure. It said: 'We're so grateful for the incredible support from the local community over the years, and we want to thank our amazing team and all the outdoor enthusiasts who made this store so special.'.
![[In a Facebook post, shared on Thursday, the business confirmed the closure]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/15/13/95243355-14400697-image-a-5_1739624813680.jpg)
However, the shop confirmed that a 'huge' closing down sale will now take place. Craigdon Mountain Sports also noted that 'many' of its Inverurie staff will be transferred to a nearby site in Aberdeen, and its website remains in action. It comes shortly after a catastrophic year for the British High Street, with more than 13,000 shops closing their doors for good in 2024. This was a rise of 28 per cent on the previous year.
Industry experts predict a further 17,350 shops will be forced to shut down in 2025. Craigdon Mountain Sports in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, is due to close for good at the March - much to the dismay of the local shoppers. In a Facebook post, shared on Thursday, the business confirmed the closure. This is the highest figure since the Centre for Retail Research (CRR), which compiled the report, began collecting the data in 2015 and follows the closure of 13,479 stores last year.
![[Reacting to the news, customers lamented the loss of the 'best shop in the world']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/15/13/95243351-14400697-image-m-3_1739624502629.jpg)
The vast majority of closed shops in 2024 – 11,341 – were independent retailers, a 45.5 per cent jump against the previous year. Firms are set to be battered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves' plans to hike National Insurance contributions and implement an inflation-busting increase in the minimum wage from April. However, the reason for the closure of Craigdon Mountain Sports in Inverurie is unclear. Reacting to the news, customers lamented the loss of the 'best shop in the world'.
One person said: 'Wow! what a shock! the best shop in the world, the best staff in the world! such a shame to hear, the world is coming to an end, been in my life since I can remember, sad, sad, sad, understatement.'. Reacting to the news, customers lamented the loss of the 'best shop in the world'. Another added: 'This will be a loss to all who prefer to try things on before buying. 'That's what's needed when buying outdoor clothing to make sure that it fits when out in the wilds.'.
