Hanon Aberdeen - A Sneaker Story's Next Chapter
A significant change is happening for a well-known Scottish shop that has long been a go-to spot for people who love sneakers. Hanon, a boutique that started right here in Scotland, has announced it will soon shut the doors of its Aberdeen physical store. This means all their retail work will move to being entirely online, a pretty big shift for a place many have known and visited for years, you know.
This move marks the end of an era for many who enjoyed visiting the shop in person, especially in Aberdeen. It's a moment that, in a way, shows how much things are changing in the world of shopping. The store, which has been a fixture in the city, is making this big step after many years of serving its community.
For a shop that has been around for three decades, this decision wasn't an easy one, that's for sure. It comes from a mix of things that were just out of their hands, including some financial pressures that got a bit more difficult because of recent world events and how people buy things these days. The team shared this news online today, letting everyone know about the changes.
Table of Contents
- The Story of Hanon Aberdeen
- Why Did Hanon Aberdeen Close Its Doors?
- Hanon Aberdeen - The Shift to Online
- What Made Hanon Aberdeen a Standout?
- Hanon Aberdeen's Notable Partnerships
- Aberdeen - A City of Many Sides
The Story of Hanon Aberdeen
The story of Hanon is actually pretty interesting, starting from humble beginnings. It all started with two brothers, Brian and Edward Toft, back in the late 1980s. They began by selling shoes and clothes from a makeshift setup at their parents' house. This was in their hometown of Elgin, a small place, so it's almost like a classic tale of starting small and dreaming big.
How Did Hanon Aberdeen Begin?
The brothers, Brian and Edward Toft, had a passion for skateboarding and streetwear, which is where the whole idea for the shop came from, you know. They were just really into it, and that passion became the foundation for what Hanon is today. From those early days in their parents' house, they moved into a proper retail spot in Elgin. Then, in 1993, they changed the name to Hanon when they moved to a bigger place in Aberdeen. It was called 'Streethreds' before that, so it was quite a change for them.
The shop was established in 1990, so it has a long history, you see. It grew from a simple idea born out of a love for a certain kind of style and footwear. Moving to Aberdeen and getting a new name was a big step in its growth, making it a more established presence. This move really helped them to reach more people and grow their customer base, which was very important for their business.
Key Moments for Hanon Aberdeen
Over the years, Hanon really made a name for itself as a central point in the UK's sneaker community. They became known for having special items that were hard to find elsewhere. People who loved sneakers would come to them because they knew they could find exclusive shoes there, which was a big draw. They also worked with other brands on special projects, which helped them become even more recognized, in a way.
The shop, located on The Green in Aberdeen, was a gathering spot for many. It was regarded as one of the top independent sneaker shops of its kind in the entire UK, which is quite an achievement. For three decades, it was a place where people could find unique items and connect with others who shared their interests. It was more than just a shop; it was a community hub for many, apparently.
Why Did Hanon Aberdeen Close Its Doors?
After 30 years of business, the decision to close the physical store was, quite frankly, not an easy one for the Hanon team. It was a choice that came about because of a combination of things that were, in some respects, beyond their ability to control. This is a common story for many businesses these days, especially those with a physical storefront.
The shop officially closed its doors for the last time this past October, though there was an earlier mention of a June closing. Thomas Lindie, for instance, knew exactly what to do when the shop on Aberdeen’s historic Green finally shut down. It was a moment that many people in the area felt, marking a real change for the shopping area and for those who loved the store.
What Were the Pressures on Hanon Aberdeen?
The company said the choice to close was due to several factors coming together. They specifically mentioned increased financial pressures, which were made worse by the recent global health situation. That really put a strain on many businesses, so it's understandable. There's also been a general change in how people shop, with more and more moving to buying things online, you know.
These challenges, like the changing ways people buy things and the economic squeeze, played a big part in the decision. It’s a reflection of how the retail scene has been shifting for a while now. Businesses have to adapt to these new ways of doing things, and sometimes that means making hard choices about where and how they operate. It was a tough call for them, to be honest.
Hanon Aberdeen - The Shift to Online
With the physical store in Aberdeen now closed, Hanon is putting all its energy into its online operations. This means that while you won't be able to visit a shop in person, you can still get everything Hanon offers through their website. All their business will now be conducted through their internet platform, which is a pretty big change for them.
The plan is for business to continue as usual online. This move allows them to keep serving their customers, just in a different way. It’s a common path for many independent retailers these days, as they adjust to how people prefer to shop. They've had to make some adjustments, like extra safety measures in the past, but now it's all about the digital storefront, so to speak.
What Does the Future Hold for Hanon Aberdeen Online?
The future for Hanon, now entirely online, means a focus on their digital presence and reach. They will continue to offer their special releases and collaborations through their website, making them available to a wider audience than just those who could visit the Aberdeen shop. This could mean more people from all over can get their hands on Hanon's unique items, which is a good thing.
It's about adapting to what customers want and how they shop today. The team will be working to make the online experience as good as possible, ensuring that their dedicated followers can still find what they are looking for. This shift, in a way, opens up new possibilities for the brand to connect with people far beyond Aberdeen, which is pretty exciting for them.
What Made Hanon Aberdeen a Standout?
Hanon was, quite simply, a special kind of shop. It wasn't just another place to buy shoes; it was considered one of the very best independent sneaker shops in the entire UK. This reputation was built over many years, thanks to their careful selection of products and their dedication to the sneaker community. They really knew their stuff, and it showed.
What made them truly stand out was their ability to attract people who were really passionate about sneakers. They would often have exclusive releases, items that you couldn't find anywhere else, which made them a destination. Their growing list of collaborations with other brands also added to their unique appeal. It was a place where you could find something truly unique, that's for sure.
Hanon Aberdeen's Notable Partnerships
Hanon had some really interesting partnerships over the years, especially with brands like Diadora. These collaborations often paid tribute to local culture or specific moments, which made them even more special. For example, they celebrated 80s and 90s football with a sneaker called the Pallone d'Oro. This showed their connection to the wider culture, which was cool.
Another great example is their Hanon x Diadora “Aberdeen” collaboration. This was a very limited release, with only 200 pairs made, and it was only available at Hanon. It even came in a custom box with a special dustbag, making it a collector's item. They also worked together on the Diadora Squash St. Clair, revisiting the 'spirit of '83' with a collection that honored Aberdeen Football Club. These partnerships really cemented their place in the sneaker world, you know.
Aberdeen - A City of Many Sides
Aberdeen, the city where Hanon had its flagship store, is known by many names. It's often called the 'Granite City' because of its lovely silver buildings, which are really quite striking. It's also known as the oil capital of Europe, which is a big part of its economy. But Aberdeen is actually much more than just oil and granite, to be honest.
You can find some truly beautiful green areas in Aberdeen; it's won the Britain in Bloom award a record-breaking 10 times, which is pretty impressive. Hidden away, you'll also discover some of the finest food, cocktail bars, and craft beer that Scotland has to offer. It's a city with a lot to explore and enjoy, showing that it has many different sides to it, which is nice.
Key Details for Hanon Aberdeen
| Founders | Brian and Edward Toft |
| Original Start | Late 1980s, parents' house in Elgin |
| Original Name | Streethreds |
| Rebranded to Hanon | 1993, upon moving to Aberdeen |
| Aberdeen Store Location | The Green, Aberdeen AB11 6NY |
| Years of Trading (Aberdeen Store) | 30 years |
| Aberdeen Store Closure Date | October 27 |
| New Business Model | Entirely online operations |
So, the story of Hanon Aberdeen is one of growth, community, and ultimately, change. From a small beginning in Elgin to becoming a recognized name in the sneaker world with a beloved shop in Aberdeen, it's been quite a journey. The shift to online marks a new phase for the business, adapting to the current retail climate and continuing to offer their unique products to a wider audience. It's a testament to their ability to keep going, even when things change around them.
On the Grid : Hanon
On the Grid : Hanon
On the Grid : Hanon
