Crypto Corner, South Methven Street (2021 – 2026)

By our Shop Obituaries Correspondent

Crypto Corner, which opened on South Methven Street in 2021 with a neon sign, a beanbag and a promise to “bring the future to Perth”, has closed after five years.

The shop never quite caught on. In its first week, it had 14 visitors. Twelve of them were looking for the bus station. One was looking for the toilet. One asked whether they sold stamps.

The shop’s owner, a young man who wore sunglasses indoors, spent much of his time explaining blockchain to Perth pensioners, who listened politely and then asked if he had eaten.

“He was a lovely boy,” said a Craigie woman who visited regularly. “He told me all about digital wallets. I told him I’d keep my money in my purse, thank you. Then I gave him a scone. He was very grateful. I don’t think he was eating properly.”

Crypto Corner briefly accepted payment in Bitcoin, Ethereum and a coin of its own invention called PerthCoin. In five years, nobody paid with any of them. The owner once accepted a box of tablet in exchange for a mug, and later described it as his best trade.

Following this week’s news of a record hack at a major crypto exchange, the shop’s landlord asked for the rent in cash.

Crypto Corner is survived by its beanbag, which has been donated to the Perth bus station waiting room, where it has already become the most popular seat in the building.

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