Shopkeeper Focus - Yard 97 with Robert Workman

Yard 97 is a retail experience and resource for reclaimed furniture, architectural salvage and curiosities, ideal for reuse at home or in commercial settings. 

While Robert started his career as a PE teacher, his business in shopfi tting and kitchen making began in 1989 and is still a core part of what he does today, often behind the scenes in the workshop at Yard 97. 

He moved to Scotland from Twickenham, initially running his business from the back of a van. Six months later, he took over one workshop and has gradually absorbed neighbouring buildings over the years to make up the complete site as it stands today – a collection of joined-up 1940s airfi eld buildings spanning many hundreds of square feet.

 Robert is known for his acumen, knowledge, integrity and ability to deliver. He has honed his craft – and the art of perception – over time. His attention to the smallest detail and commitment to delivering outstanding service and products are evident in all that he does. He couldn’t do any of it without his team, who have grown and shaped the business from the workshop and spray booth to also running the retail side of Yard 97. 

He credits a meeting with the late James Sugden of Johnstons of Elgin as a cornerstone of his business. Their working relationship and James’s ‘great faith’ in Robert and his team spanned many projects and endured for well over 20 years. This is testament to Robert’s approach and his appreciation of objects and relationships that endure and are built to last. This connection was also the conduit to many other Scottish captains of industry, and the fruitful, sustained growth for what would become the business and network behind Yard 97. 

‘We have always strived for an exceptionally high standard in the business, starting with shopfi tting, design and delivery at the best value for money – and that’s why people come back,’ he explains. ‘This principle is echoed in Yard 97, where we combine meticulously selected products, original merchandising, friendly, competent service and a personal, quality retail experience that defi es e-commerce and anonymous online shopping. Many of the pieces – and the people – are real one-offs!’

Robert has always sourced unusual, original pieces, especially reclaimed furniture, vintage interiors and architectural salvage, to complement his bespoke work. Crucially, every piece is designed or chosen with practical intention – either second-hand to be reused or new with a useful function. Robert is a practical man: his talent for sourcing and remaking items developed naturally into a retail opportunity, with the idea to open a large section of the warehouse space to sell treasures directly to the public. The concept was slightly stalled by Covid, but eventually opened its doors after lockdown, just as the world was opening up again in November 2022. 

Although surrounded by vintage pieces, there’s no time for looking back – Robert is keenly focused on the continued growth of Yard 97 and the pieces and people that will carry him and his business well into the future.