Valletta's longest-running opticians are moving out, saying capital has changed

Malta’s “first and longest-running” opticians are closing their Valletta shop after almost 180 years in operation – but this is by no means the end of the road for the fourth-generation, family-run firm.

P. Muscat Opticians, established at 38, Republic Street way back in 1849, will be relocating to Attard, as the capital city becomes more about “tables and chairs” than retail business, and yet another outlet feels the pinch.

“Historically, we relied on our Maltese clients, who would come into Valletta specifically to shop for something they needed,” said fourth-generation owner and director Joseph Farrugia.

“Now, apart from our loyal clientele, it is down to the odd tourist who pops in to fix a screw on their sunglasses or get a quick pair of off-the-shelf specs if they have lost theirs. We cannot survive on that.”

The writing was on the wall, but at 59, Farrugia is too young to call it quits. So, when passing trade almost ceased to exist, rather than die a slow death – unacceptable after a family business has lasted so long – he decided not just to close the island’s oldest optician but to start afresh in Attard.

Third-generation John Farrugia (right) with his brother Gaetano serving customers. Photo: Joseph Farrugia

P. Muscat has felt squeezed out in more ways than one. The small two-room shop never had space for an optometrist, another reason for the move. It didn’t have enough display space either and that is being catered for at the new outlet, Farrugia said enthusiastically.

Farrugia, who jokes that his shop has been rented out “from the time of the Knights”, also wanted to avoid possible complications and uncertainties when rent laws are revised in coming years.

“We would not afford the high rent per day for a property on the capital’s main street,” he pre-empted.

Other family businesses in Valletta, he maintained, would have to face this scenario and follow suit in the absence of options.

A newspaper ad showing Joseph Farrugia’s great-grandfather Paolo was the proprietor in the mid-1900s.

Valletta has changed, he noted. And once the tourists from the cruise liners have gone, it is almost as dead for some businesses.

“Everything is against us in Valletta,” he maintained. “Even if we are doing the right thing, the decline is inevitable,” he said about the need to take action and keep moving forward.

“This is a positive move. And so is the mood… I do not feel nostalgic about leaving Valletta after over 40 years of direct involvement in the shop on its main street shortly after I left school at 16.”

The thought of closing and relocating had been brewing for a couple of years, until it became urgent, Farrugia said, adding that such decisions were not taken on impulse.

Everything is against us in Valletta

Farrugia was the one child out of five siblings who joined the family business and recalls working with his late father in the shop, day in, day out.

As the “black sheep of the family”, he acknowledged his father’s patience and the faith he had in his rebellious son – which has meant the business has thrived until today.

He was also grateful for the “old-school mentality” that has trickled down to him and for the rich legacy passed on to him by his father, especially the core values of integrity, honesty and ethics.

Antique glasses sold at the shop together with their respective cases with the shop’s name on them. Photo: Joseph Farrugia

The hefty investment, complete with new equipment, was taken on because Farrugia was assured his three daughters, who have all forged their own careers, would carry it on somehow or other.

“We sat at a table, and I was clear about this. I would not have done it if they did not want to continue.”

While it was always a risk, with no guarantees, Farrugia is excited about the “new and improved” premises, which are undergoing refurbishment and will be open at the end of the month.

As he prepares to inaugurate the new shop, Farrugia looks back proudly at an advert in which P. Muscat is described as ‘sole optician’.

An advert showing that P. Muscat was ‘sole optician’ and sold ‘opera, race and marine glasses’. Photo: Joseph Farrugia

He was intrigued when he read on this old advert about an item that was sold at his shop – ‘fine Brazilian pebbles’ – and learned these were prized for their use in crafting high-quality rock crystal lenses, a hallmark of premium eyewear at the time.

“I was happy when I realised that despite the many changes over the years of operation, the focus on quality and, of course, a personalised service has not changed one bit,” he said.

“From what I know, my great-grandfather, Paolo Farrugia, started the business in the mid-19th century,” he said, pointing to another newspaper advert showing him as the proprietor at that time.

“He then passed on the business to my grandfather Carmelo,” Farrugia continued, showing another picture of him outside the shop. In turn, it was passed on to his father John.

While Farrugia is clear on his family history, what remains a mystery to him is the connection between his great-grandfather and the name of the firm P. Muscat.

“Maybe someday someone will discover it and let me know.”