About Country Ways
Welcome to Country Ways!
Established in 1978, we are a family owned and run business located in the city centre of Aberdeen, Scotland, specialising in country, lifestyle and equestrian wear. More recently, we have expanded with the addition of a store in Banchory, Royal Deeside.
History
It’s a little-known fact that Country Ways actually started as a pharmacy! The precursor to the business was originally part of Charles Michie’s Pharmacy on Powis Terrace, Kitty Brewster. It not only benefited from being close to three doctors’ surgeries but had its busiest day on a Friday, when the nearby Aberdeen cattle market was open. The canny farmers would make the most of their day in the big city buying and selling their beasts but also stocking up on essentials. An opportunity to purchase the shop next door presented itself to John and Charles Michie, joint owners and brothers of the business, who jumped at the chance. Charles Michie Farm Sales was opened soon after to service the needs of the farmers and their animals.
At the same time, the Northeast of Scotland was starting to see the economic benefits of the oil and gas industry, which brought with it the interest and means for people to take up horse riding and horse ownership. There was a meteoric change with the explosion of people enjoying everything the equestrian world had to offer, in turn their customers requesting “horsey stuff”. There was nowhere in Aberdeen or the shire that people could go to purchase not just the items the horses needed but also the riders. So The Aberdeen Tack Room was born.
In the late seventy’s the mart moved to its current home at Thainstone, Fridays were no longer so busy, but the equestrian department continued to go from strength to strength. The Michie brothers took the decision to close The Aberdeen Tack Room and launch their new store, Country Ways, on the corner of Great Western Road and Holburn Street.
Today
The well-known Aberdeen store with its feature gable wall, which was originally decorated with a horse and rider, but now features an iconic large-scale mural – part of the highly successful Aberdeen Inspired NuArt street art project – is an Aladdin’s cave of wonders for all country and equestrian enthusiasts. The reassuringly familiar smell of the wax jackets and leatherwork welcomes its customers who, like the owners, are now onto the third generation.
Forty-three years since Country Ways opened its doors in Aberdeen, the Michie family have expanded with the opening of Country Ways 2 in the Royal Deeside town of Banchory. John and Charles are still very much involved, but the running of the stores is in the hands of Charles’s daughter, Rosemary, and her team.
The gloriously spacious store is situated in the ideal position opposite the main car park, and it’s 7 large windows giving customers an enticing glimpse of what lies instore. Stepping inside you are greeted by a team of cheerful, knowledgeable staff, who all obviously love their jobs, and with their customer service being second to none the discerning shopper is in for a real treat. Big brand names have moved with them too, including Fairfax & Favor, Barbour, Dubarry and many more – offering shoppers a great selection of fashionable country and equestrian clothing, footwear and accessories. They even have introduced luxury foods and sweets, gifts and there’s a dedicated room full of dog apparel, treats and training equipment – heaven for your four-legged friends.
We are proud that we have managed to navigate and adapt to the challenges of modern retailing and, even though established 100 years ago and now on our 4th generation, hope to go from strength to strength! We've survived a war, twenty-one prime ministers and the latest obvious challenge of a global pandemic. Throughout the ten decades offering their customers a superb in-person retail experience, mirroring this with our online presence and now opening flagship store Country Ways 2.
We can't wait to welcome you to Country Ways!
Country Ways Trading as Horse & Hound Ltd
115 Holburn Street
Aberdeen
AB10 6BX
&
2-8 Bridge Street
Banchory
Registered company number: SC160158
Registered Office Address / Head Office
378 Union Street
Aberdeen
AB11 6BX
