BRISTOL — A cherished piece of Westbury-on-Trym’s high street heritage is preparing to close its doors for good, as W.H. Mogford & Sons — the city’s oldest hardware store — winds down after 160 years of trade.
Owner Paul Gillam, who has run the shop for the past two decades, said the decision to shut the beloved establishment was “incredibly difficult” but ultimately necessary, citing a combination of economic pressures and declining footfall. The store is expected to remain open until the end of August, though a precise closing date is yet to be confirmed.
“160 years of history will be coming to an end,” said Mr Gillam, standing behind the shop’s timeworn counter, surrounded by rows of paintbrushes, dog treats, antifreeze, and everything in between.
“There’s lots of different reasons – Covid-19, Amazon, fewer people on the high street, rising utility bills – they’ve all come together. But the final straw was the closure of local banks. Since then, footfall has just dropped off a cliff.”
Located on Westbury High Street, W.H. Mogford & Sons has long been a community cornerstone, supplying everything from single nails and grout to rabbit food and slug repellent. It’s a place where locals could not only pick up essential DIY items, but also enjoy a friendly chat and old-school customer service rarely found in larger retailers.
The business was originally family-run until Mr Gillam took it over more than 20 years ago. He had first joined the shop 30 years ago when it was bustling with five staff members on shift each day. Now, staffing has dwindled to just two, and Gillam says it is no longer sustainable.
“I know many people will miss the shop,” he said. “A lot of our customers come in weekly – they’re like friends now. It’s really sad.”
Regulars have been quick to express their dismay. Long-time customer Melvyn Griffiths described the store as a “proper Mr Arkwright’s,” referencing the iconic British sitcom Open All Hours. “It goes back years, and it’s got everything you need in small quantities. It’ll be absolutely gutting for the community to lose it.”
Another patron, Colin Clarke, lamented the impact of the closure. “This shop has been here since Queen Victoria’s time. I’m absolutely devastated. It’s the centre of the community — it’s going to be well missed.”
The closure marks the latest in a string of small, independent businesses shuttering across the UK, driven by shifting retail habits, rising overhead costs, and competition from online giants. For locals in Westbury-on-Trym, the loss of Mogford’s is more than just the end of a business — it’s the farewell of a fixture that has anchored the neighbourhood through generations.
As Paul Gillam prepares for the final few months of trading, he remains proud of the store’s legacy. “I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of it,” he said. “It’s the right decision, but it still hurts.”
For now, the shelves remain stocked, and the door remains open — offering locals one last chance to step inside a slice of Bristol history before it’s gone forever.
