Family business known as 'Aladdin's Cave' to close after 100 years in Scots town
A much-loved family-owned store is set to close its doors after more than 100 years in one Ayrshire town, where it is affectionately known as 'Aladdin's Cave'. Sinforiani Brothers in Kilmarnock has been trading for over a century but the shutters will come down for the final time on Saturday, December 13. Owner Marco Sinforiani, 59, has worked in the shop on West George Street for the last 47 years, after taking over from previous generations of his family. Over the years, Sinforiani Brothers has operated as a café and fish and chip shop, a newsagent, tobacconist and confectioner. A spokesman said: "A huge thank you to all our wonderful customers who have supported our family business over the years, wishing you all the best." READ MORE: Scottish High Streets will die out thanks to SNP refusing to pass on UK Government cash and relief READ MORE: Iconic 'much-missed' Scottish pub reopens as dog-friendly local with cracking beer garden The family's ownership of the business goes back to 1920 and Marco has been working there since 1978, going full-time in 1991. But he's decided he wants to spend more time with his family. Speaking to Ayrshire Live, Marco said: "I've decided to sell the business for family reasons. Family comes first even though I love the business and I'm not ready to leave it. I had to come to that decision.
Marco Sinforiani clowns around with a Hallowe'en display in the store
(Image: Facebook)
"I can't put my full energies into both. As much as I'm attached to it, I've got to do it. It has been a tough decision to take because I wasn't quite ready for it. "I've been involved with the business full time since 1991 and part time since 1978. The business has been in the family directly since about 1930. My grandfather and his two brothers were involved with it since 1920. It's been a long affiliation with the town and the same premises as well. "I don't want to sound like a cliché but I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my customers and that is the bottom line for an independent business. They have been so supportive, especially when times are a bit harder. Fortunately, I still get a good, solid core of customers, faithful customers."
The store has branched out to selling luxury spirits
(Image: Sinforiani Brothers)
The first generation of Sinforiani brothers to manage the shop – Alessandro, Davide and Mario – migrated to Scotland from Castelnuovo in Tuscany. Today, the business has branched out and now specialises in single malt whisky, craft gins, fine wine, unusual spirits and liqueurs, loose tobaccos and cigars and Italian groceries. And lucky shoppers can make the most of a closing down sale, with huge discounts available including 20% off whisky. Posting on the store's Facebook page, Natalie Baillie said: "This makes me sad Marco. Many years of advice and purchases. Hope you enjoy your next chapter but killie will have a void for sure. I wasn't really sure what wines to try at the start but loved the advice and offering throughout the years." And Iain McEwan said: "As a lad my gran took me in for a sit down plate of chips before catching the bus to Bonnyton. Long time ago. All the best Marco and thanks for everything especially the service to the town." For more news, follow us on Facebook and X but never miss the latest top headlines and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
