Bristol’s oldest shop is closing after 160 years in business
A traditional shop in Bristol said to be the oldest in the city is closing in a matter of months after opening more than 160 years ago.
Hardware shop WH Mogford & Son, in Westbury-on-Trym, which has been stood on the high street since the 1860s has been forced to close.
Owner Paul Gillam, who has worked in the shop for three decades, posted a message to the shop’s Facebook followers on June 14.
He said: ‘After 30 years in the business and knowing it’s long history, sadly I have come to a very difficult decision to close the business permanently by the end of September 2025.
‘I have come to this decision due to the continuing decline in customer numbers, the increasing costs of stock, staffing, bank and utility charges and the desperate state of repair of the rented premises.
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‘I would like to thank the many local customers who have supported us over the years.’
The shop has been described as an ‘Aladdin’s cave’ of DIY, gardening and pet supplies.
During the pandemic, the team recalled how one gentleman would walk to the shop each week to buy 10 screws for 1p each, just so he could have a chat with staff.
Customers revealed how upset they were over the store’s closure.
Peter Berry said: ‘Very sorry to hear Paul, but not unexpected. Sadly support for local businesses generally has waned and the Hardware trade has been hit harder than many.
‘I would personally like to thank you for many years of pleasurable business and wish you, family and staff my best wishes for the future.’
Victoria Laws added: ‘I’m so gutted for you, the staff, for us having an aladdins cave on our doorstep led by perfect customer service.
‘There probably isn’t much mark up on each product and overheads are killing businesses right now, but we all need to truly support local, even the big guys, before tapping on our phone to order.’
Paul took over the business in 2004 but had worked for the previous owner, who was the last in the line of the original Mogford family, since 1995.
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