Bristol's Clean Air Zone is the 'final blow' for family-run store forced to close after 57 years
Marcruss Outdoors, in Hotwell Road, Bristol, announced in March that the business faced closure during a heartfelt announcement on its Facebook page.
Established in 1968, the the three-storey shop was a well-known presence on the city's high street selling outdoor gear, camping supplies, workwear and army surplus.
The team wrote: 'It is with a heavy heart that we write to inform you of the difficult decision to close Marcruss Outdoors for the last time this summer.
'Unfortunately, the harsh economic climate has made it impossible for us to continue.
'Despite having weathered countless recessions and even the challenging lockdowns, the final blow has come in the form of the Clean Air Zone.'
Owners Marcus and Adam Pinson suggested that the introduction of the eco-friendly measure three years ago had severely impacted footfall and led to its closure on 12 July.
Adam told the BBC: 'To me it felt like it was people with older vans who perhaps go camping, and they just won't drive through Bristol.
'There's not a draw for people to pay the clean-air charge to come here, and I think being inside that [zone] has just destroyed us.
'We're just not getting the people coming in.'
The team's Facebook message also paid tribute to their loyal staff and customers over the years.
They said: 'It has truly been an honour and a privilege to serve each and every one of you.
'We will deeply miss running this shop, as it has been more than just a business to us - it's been a place where we've been able to offer expert advice, exceptional customer service, and a sense of community.
'We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have worked here over the years.
'Their loyalty, commitment, and hard work have been the foundation of our success.
'We couldn't have reached the milestones we did without their dedication, and we consider both our customers and staff to be part of the Marcruss family.'
The team ended their message by saying: 'The closing of our doors will certainly be a loss and we believe that the vibrant city of Bristol will feel a little less bright without us.'
On the last day of trading, Marcruss Outdoors changed its Facebook cover photo to one that stated it was now closed.
Taking to the comments section, fans were quick to share their sadness at the closure.
One said: 'We will be so sad to see you go. Marcruss has always been our go to place for anything outdoors. It has been a big part of our family for a very long time. It will be a big loss.'
A second wrote: 'I'm so sorry. Bristol loses an institution.'
While a third commented: 'Been my go to place over the decades for work, fishing and outdoor clothing and supplies.
'Such a shame to see it go. Wishing the staff and owners all the best for the future. Must be a very hard decision to make after almost 60 years trading.
The business was started by Frank Pinson and his son Trevor in the mid-1960s. They took over what had been an army surplus store for many years before that.
In more recent years the shop has been run by Trevor's sons Marcus, who looked after the army surplus and Airsoft side, and Adam who oversaw camping equipment and workwear.
The name 'Marcruss' refers to Marcus and one of Trevor's other sons, Russ, who is no longer involved in the shop.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
10 minutes ago
- The Independent
Lenders encouraged to improve digital processes to help borrowers' understanding
People looking to borrow digitally could be at risk of bypassing important information if lenders' online and in-app processes are not designed well enough, the regulator has said. Lenders are being encouraged by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to consider how their digital processes can help prospective borrowers understand what they are signing up for. The FCA has shared examples of good and poor practice with lenders. It found that some were using shorter, simplified language and providing 'explainer' videos that helped customer understanding. However, the design of some digital loan processes lacked 'positive friction', the regulator said. Even though some digital processes are designed to be quick, firms can consider the appropriate amount of friction required, the regulator said, so customers have the opportunity to read and understand the information provided. Firms may have access to data that indicates customers are advancing through applications too quickly and not accessing key information, features or help, the regulator said. Under the Consumer Duty, the FCA expects firms to understand the needs, characteristics and objectives of their customers, and this should inform how products are designed and how customers will interact with them. Firms can identify customers with characteristics of vulnerability and those requiring additional support through digital channels. They can also review the effectiveness of the support available, the regulator said. Alison Walters, director of consumer finance at the FCA, said: 'Online and app-based applications can make it easier for people to get the credit they need to navigate their financial lives. 'But poorly designed applications could mean people bypass important information. We're sharing examples of what works and what doesn't, so lenders can better support their customers.'
The Independent
10 minutes ago
- The Independent
Next profit off rival Marks & Spencer's cyberattack and warm weather
Next has significantly upgraded its annual sales and profit forecasts, attributing the stronger-than-expected performance to favourable weather and disruption faced by rival Marks & Spencer. The fashion and homewares retailer reported a 10.5 per cent surge in full-price sales for the second quarter to 26 July, contributing to a 10.9 per cent rise for the first half of the year. UK sales climbed 7.8 per cent in the second quarter, boosted by what the group described as "better than expected weather and trading disruption at a major competitor." M&S was forced to halt online trading for nearly two months from mid-April following a major cyber attack. Consequently, Next now anticipates full-year sales growth of 7.5 per cent and profits to increase by 9.3 per cent to £1.11 billion, an uplift from its earlier projections of 6 per cent sales growth and 6.8 per cent profit increase. The upgrade marks the group's third in just five months. But Next said it 'remains cautious for the second half', stressing that the improved outlook is for its international arm over the next six months. It said: 'In the UK, we believe we exceeded expectations in the second quarter as a result of better summer weather and trading disruption at a major competitor. 'We do not expect either of these factors to have a material effect in the second half, and so we are not increasing our guidance for UK sales in the second half.' It believes sales growth in the UK will slow sharply to 1.9 per cent as the jobs market starts to falter following the Government's move to hike National Insurance contributions for employers, at the same time as rising the minimum wage. Next said: 'We expect UK employment opportunities to continue to diminish as we enter the second half, with the effects of April's National Insurance changes continuing to filter through into the economy as the year progresses. 'We believe that this will increasingly dampen consumer spending as the year progresses.' But an online marketing push for its international arm is bearing fruit, helping drive sales 28.1 per cent higher in the first half and with growth of 19.4 per cent now expected in the final six months. The results come after Next announced late on Wednesday that it had bought Seraphine – the maternity fashion firm, whose clothes were worn by the Princess of Wales during her pregnancies – after it recently collapsed into administration. Next paid £600,000 for the brand and announced it was bringing back Seraphine's founder Cecile Reinaud as an adviser to help relaunch the fashion label.
The Sun
11 minutes ago
- The Sun
Popular bar chain with 21 UK locations to close four sites for good in huge ‘restructure'
A POPULAR bar chain with 21 locations is set to bring down the shutters on four sites for good in a huge restructure. In a bid to boost finances the company said it will be focusing on its best performing venues instead. 1 Simmons Bars has venues across London and one in Manchester, offering cocktails, brunches and karaoke at 21 locations overall. The popular cocktail bar chain has completed a "strategic restructuring process" and has shut four of its venues in the process. It is not yet known which locations will be affected. Nick Campbell, who founded the company in 2012, said the move would "streamline its portfolio and strengthen it's financial position". In addition to the four site closures, Simmons has also secured additional funding to support future expansion. Commenting on the decision, Campbell said: "As part of the process, we've taken the tough decision to exit four leases, allowing management to focus resources on our strongest performing venues. "Alongside this, we've secured additional investment to support future expansion and operational improvements across the estate." It will be business as usual for the remaining venues which will continue to operate "without interruption". "As always, we remain committed to delivering the unique, value-driven, high-energy customer experience we're known for and look forward to a positive end to 2025," Campbell said. He added that the company will continue to "explore opportunities for expansion" with potential sites mooted for cities outside of London. Pub chain collapses into administration as SIX sites shut their doors for good and 159 job losses It was only in May 2023 that Campbell said the chain was planning to open its 26th location in Hoxton, with four further sites planned at the time. As it stands, the company currently operates 21 locations. The chain reported a marginal increase in turnover from £28 million in 2023 to £28.6 million in the year to 31 March 2024. Simmons has prided itself on being able to maintain trading levels despite strong headwinds. But the bar says that it's younger 20-30-year-old customer base has been disproportionately impacted by the cost-of-living. While persistent inflation has put additional pressure on the company's finances. Their location in Manchester's Deansgate, its first venue outside London, was trading "ahead of expectations and budget" but headwinds showed "signs of softening," according to their accounts. Simmons isn't the only bar chain to close down some of its venues recently due to financial pressures. The Sun reported this month how Brewdog is set to shut ten bars across the UK. The locations of the affected bars include two in Scotland and eight in England. A statement from CEO James Taylor was posted on the shareholders' forum announcing that closures come as part of a "strategic review". He explained that the firm has "faced continued challenges" in the UK, including "rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures" which have resulted in the closures.
