P. Muscat Opticians has announced it will be closing its Valletta premises after almost 180 years of operation.
However, the fourth-generation, family-run business has made it clear that this will not mark the end of its story.
Established in 1849 at 38, Republic Street, P. Muscat Opticians is widely considered Malta’s “first and longest-running” opticians. It has been handed down from one generation of the Farrugia family to the next, becoming a well-known name in the local eyewear sector.
The business confirmed that it will soon relocate to a new outlet in Attard, citing the shifting nature of Valletta’s economy. “The shop will relocate at the end of this month, God willing. We will be at 52, Triq il-Pitkali, further up from A to Z Electronics & next to El Panadero,” it said.
Commenters online expressed concern about the changing face of the capital city. “All the interesting and quality business are being replaced by tables and chairs outlets, making Valletta a photocopy of Paceville,” one wrote.
Another added: “Trends change. It’s called evolution. Shopping methodologies are different these days. At least human contact is still felt partially necessary for socialising and entertainment.”
While Valletta bids farewell to yet another longstanding retailer, P. Muscat Opticians looks set to begin a new chapter elsewhere.
Main Image:The P. Muscat Opticians shop in Valletta / pmuscat.com
Written By
Nicole Zammit
When she’s not writing articles at work or poetry at home, you’ll find her taking long walks in the countryside, pumping iron at the gym, caring for her farm animals, or spending quality time with family and friends. In short, she’s always on the go, drawing inspiration from the little things around her, and constantly striving to make the ordinary extraordinary.
