Bristol Clean Air Zone 'final blow' for historic family-run store

One of Bristol's longest-running shops will be shutting down in the next few months. Army surplus store Marcruss has blamed the introduction of the Clean Air Zone as the 'final blow' to its fortunes.

The shop on Hotwell Road has been a staple for outdoor enthusiasts for decades, but is set to close its doors this summer.

The family-run retailer has been under the stewardship of the Pinson family for more than 60 years, and even longer as an army surplus and camping equipment store.

In a message shared on its Facebook page, Marcus Pinson and his family expressed their gratitude to customers throughout the years and made a final appeal for support to clear out the remaining stock.

"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," read the statement. "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."

The family conveyed their deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve their community, saying the shop was more than just a business but a place where they could offer "expert advice, exceptional customer service, and foster a sense of community".

They added: "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.

"As we prepare to close our doors, we kindly ask for your support in helping us clear our remaining stock. We have some fantastic bargains available, and we would love for our loyal customers to benefit from these final sales.

"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. Thank you for your support throughout the years. We will cherish the memories and are forever grateful for the opportunity to have served you."

Marcruss was a traditional family store selling a wide range of outdoor clothes and equipment. Marcruss was born when Frank Pinson and his son Trevor took over an existing army surplus store in the mid 1960s. Set across three floors, it has four departments selling camping and ski wear, workwear and wet weather clothing and boots. On the ground floor, the most popular items were the ranges of army surplus and Airsoft guns and accessories. Trevor's sons Marcus, Russ and Adam took over from him.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the family-owned nine shops across the West Country, stretching from Gloucester to Torquay, but consolidated to a single shop on Hotwell Road during the last recession.

In 2022, with the impending Clean Air Zone in Bristol, which would impose a £9 charge on approximately 20% of vehicles entering the city, Marcus expressed grave concerns for his business.

Speaking in May 2022, he said: "I think it could essentially kill us off because it starts from Ashton and unless people are allowed to come into this area, nobody's going to shop in here."