Shoppers and locals were dismayed back last summer when the popular and well-loved hardware store, Mogfords, closed its doors after more than 160 years in business.
The end of an era was mourned, as yet another independent shop was unable to survive rising costs and declining footfall in the village.
Now, however, locals are delighted to see the familiar shop front of Mogfords return with a new owner and fresh hopes. The grand opening took place on March 18 and the shop was immediately inundated with well wishers keen to provide support.
The shop has been taken over by Ben Hann, who runs the successful Cotham Hardware shop and has years of experience in the industry.
Talking to the Voice after a busy first morning, Ben explained: “It will still be known by its familiar name of Mogfords – and will be the same, but different. We will still sell traditional hardware and garden stuff, but will also focus more on kitchenware as there aren’t many places to buy such things in Bristol apart from the big retail outlets. “
Seeing posts on social media back in the summer and realising the outcry the closure had provoked, Ben described how he went to see Paul Gillam (the then-owner) straight away to offer his services. As Ben had lived in Southdown Road around eight or nine years ago, he had been a customer of Mogfords and understood how important it was to keep it in the village.
He added: “Of course, there remains lots of uncertainty with business rates going up etc, but we’ve seen this morning how much the place means to people and it was really nice to be around that support.We’ve taken on a couple of new staff and will re-evaluate that as time goes on, but it’s already been really busy, so that’s a good sign.”