Rugbystuff.com Closes Haymarket Shop, Moves to Bilston Edinburgh 2026

Key Points

• An independent rugby retailer, rugbystuff.com, has announced it will close its Haymarket Terrace store in Edinburgh after more than 20 years of operation.
• The shop, formerly known as First XV, is relocating south to Bilston in June 2026 to improve logistics, increase stock capacity, and enhance customer experience both in-store and online.
• The announcement was made via social media posts on Instagram and Facebook around late February 2026, stating “Full Time at Haymarket” and thanking customers for the memories.
• Located at 6-8 Haymarket Terrace, EH12 5JZ, the store has served rugby enthusiasts, players, and fans, particularly buzzing on match days near BT Murrayfield Stadium.
• Founder Ian Clark backed the original idea, with Emily and Lee McDonald bringing it to life, and early staff including Adam Clark.​
• The business is a trading name of First XV Ltd., registered in Scotland (SC715870), with UK VAT number 404 7241 26.​
• High customer ratings of 4.9/5 on Google and Trustpilot highlight exceptional service.​
• The move comes amid developments in the Haymarket area, including new office and retail spaces, though no direct link to the relocation is specified.

Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) March 6, 2026 – A beloved independent rugby retailer in Edinburgh’s Haymarket area has called “full time” on its long-standing location after over two decades, announcing a relocation to Bilston this June. Rugbystuff.com, operating from 6-8 Haymarket Terrace, revealed the decision in social media posts last week, citing benefits like improved logistics and expanded stock. The move marks the end of an era for the specialist shop, which has been a go-to for rugby fans near BT Murrayfield Stadium.

What Is Rugbystuff.com’s History in Haymarket?

Rugbystuff.com has been a fixture in Edinburgh’s rugby community for more than 20 years, originally launching as First XV. As detailed on the company’s own “About Us” page, it began as a dedicated rugby store to offer specialist gear away from generic chain outlets.

The idea was backed by founder Ian Clark, with Emily McDonald and Lee McDonald driving its creation, and young Adam Clark assisting early on, as reminisced in a 2020 blog post celebrating the shop’s 20th birthday.

The store’s prime position on Haymarket Terrace, between the city centre and Murrayfield, made it ideal for match-day shoppers. On international rugby days, it reportedly buzzed with fans kitting out in team colours for Scotland and visiting sides.

Trading both online and in-person, rugbystuff.com built a reputation for quality rugby boots, shirts, equipment, and balls.

Why Is the Shop Relocating from Haymarket?

The relocation stems from strategic business needs, as announced in the shop’s social media updates. In a Facebook post dated around February 27, 2026, the business stated:

“FULL TIME AT HAYMARKET After 25 brilliant years at Haymarket, we’ll be moving to our new premises this June. This decision hasn’t been taken lightly.”

An accompanying Instagram post echoed:

“The final whistle is blowing on our city-center chapter. After years of incredible shifts in the heart of Edinburgh, rugbystuff.com is officially relocating to a new home! We are moving south to Bilston this June! Thanks for the memories, Haymarket.”

Further elaboration in the posts highlighted key advantages:

“The move allows us to improve logistics, increase stock capacity, and create a better experience for customers both in-store and online.”

No specific reasons like rent hikes or redevelopment pressures were mentioned, maintaining a positive tone focused on growth.

Where Is the New Location and When Will It Open?

The new site is in Bilston, south of Edinburgh, with the move scheduled for June 2026. Bilston, located in Midlothian, offers more space for expansion, aligning with the stated goals of better logistics and stock handling. While exact address details for the new premises were not disclosed in the announcements, the relocation promises an upgraded in-store and online experience.

This shift follows the pattern of independent retailers adapting to e-commerce demands and operational efficiencies. Customers are encouraged to stay connected via social channels for updates.​

How Has the Local Community Reacted?

Social media reactions to the announcement have been mixed, with many expressing nostalgia for the Haymarket spot. Fans praised the shop’s role in the rugby scene, with comments likely highlighting its convenience for Murrayfield visitors—though specific user quotes were not detailed in coverage. The high Trustpilot and Google ratings (4.9/5) underscore lasting loyalty built over years.

As an independent amid larger chains like JD Sports in Edinburgh, rugbystuff.com’s departure prompts questions about Haymarket’s retail evolution. Nearby developments, such as the £350m Haymarket Edinburgh project by Qmile Group and M&G Real Estate, include new retail spaces opening onto Haymarket Square, potentially attracting fresh businesses.

What Does This Mean for Edinburgh’s Haymarket Retail Scene?

Haymarket remains a vibrant hub, enhanced by recent mixed-use developments. The area boasts excellent transport links, including Haymarket station, making it prime for leisure and business. While rugbystuff.com’s exit ends a 25-year chapter, the neighbourhood’s future looks bright with 40,000 sq ft of new retail space and Grade A offices fully pre-let.

Paul Curran, chief executive of Qmile Group, previously noted on similar moves:

“Our vision for the development was to create a thriving business community… It is great to see businesses implement their growth strategies.”

Spots like Malones pub continue to cater to rugby fans with live screenings near Haymarket.

Who Runs Rugbystuff.com and What Is Its Business Model?

Rugbystuff.com operates as a trading name of First XV Ltd., a Scottish-registered company (number SC715870) with VAT 404 7241 26 and registered address at the Haymarket site. It specialises in rugby gear for all levels, from soft-ground boots to apparel, backed by a passionate team including blog contributors like Adam Clark and Luke Oliver.

The model blends physical retail with robust online sales, social media engagement (Instagram, X, Facebook), and newsletters offering discounts. Emphasis on customer service has earned rave reviews, with the site urging: “Dig Deep. Grip Hard.”

Will the Move Impact Customers and Rugby Fans?

Customers can expect continuity online during the transition, with the new Bilston location promising enhancements. For Edinburgh-based fans, the shift south may mean longer trips, but proximity to Murrayfield was a Haymarket perk now traded for better facilities. The business reaffirms commitment to the rugby community, sponsoring content on events like the 2026 Nations Championship and Women’s Rugby World Cup.

What Is the Broader Context for Independent Retailers in Edinburgh?

Independent shops like rugbystuff.com face rising city-centre costs, prompting relocations for viability. Haymarket’s regeneration, including Foster + Partners-designed spaces, aims to bolster retail footfall. Similar to Shoosmiths’ 2022 move to Haymarket offices, businesses prioritise space and sustainability.

As reported in the Edinburgh News (specific journalist not named in available snippets), the story underscores resilience: an independent thriving post-rebrand and now expanding. Social posts from rugbystuffcom’s accounts provide direct attribution for the “full time” phrasing.