Ali's Cave set to shut doors in Edinburgh after 40 years
Ali's Cave, one of Edinburgh's largest independent household shops, will close in August, the owners have announced on social media.
The shop first opened in South Bridge in 1981, before moving to a larger unit on Lothian Road in 1988.
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The news was announced by father-son duo Anwar and Adnan Ulhaq on Facebook, who said: "With great sadness we have some big news to share. Ali's Cave will be saying farewell and closing its doors permanently as of August.
"We want to say a big thank you to the city of Edinburgh for supporting us. A heartfelt thank you to all our customers who have continued to visit our store over the years.
"Ali's Cave has been serving Edinburgh for over 44 years. We've loved the community around us, the local businesses, the students and the tourists alike.
"Thank you all for backing us, here's to the end of a very fulfilling chapter. We hope to see some familiar friendly faces pop by before we shut permanently.
"A heartfelt farewell from all the family at Ali's Cave."
READ MORE: Scottish abattoir shuts doors after 100 years with 90 jobs lost
Locals responded with sadness to the news, as one person wrote: "I just need to give a word of tribute to this shop. This was the one place close to where I lived, where I could buy the items I needed before closing time, to help me get back into my flat: sellotape, magnets, string and something else; I was able to fashion a fishing rod, put it through my letterbox and fish up the keys from the floor. (It's a long story.) Thank you so much!"
Another person wrote: "You will be so missed. You have played a big part in Edinburgh for so long. Wishing you all the very best."
And another person said: "Acht, now this is so sad. I came to Edinburgh in 1995 and your shop has been my go to since then. Everyone knows Ali's cave. What wonderful staff you have, always happy, always ready to help. Your shop has Everything! I was just in the other day for something. I knew you'd have it and you did. You're going to be so very missed."
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