The owners of an independent store say a Clean Air Zone has proven the ‘final blow’ for their business as the shutters rolled down for the last time after nearly six decades of trading.
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 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.
Marcruss Outdoors and Bristol City Centre has been contacted for comment.
