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Meet the owner of one of Bristol’s oldest independent shops
“See what I mean, most of the time the customers aren’t even sure what they are looking for. That’s where we come in handy,” says Ben Hann, the current owner of Cotham Hardware, which celebrates its 109th birthday this year.
The store on Cotham Hill, which originally opened in 1915, has seen off two World Wars, an online retail boom, global economic downturn and a pandemic, supplying customers in Bristol with home improvement products, supplies, and general DIY support.
Even when independent shops are having to close due to high business rates and competition from online retail giants such as Amazon, Cotham Hardware seems to have weathered many a storm.
The fame of Cotham Hardware has spread beyond the frontiers of Bristol. It topped the Daily Telegraph’s “50 best independent retailers” back in 2018 and has raked up multiple five-star reviews on Google and Facebook.
Ben Hann bought the much-loved hardware store from David Jenkins back in 2020. He still recounts his initial experience at the store with a spark in his eyes. “I fell in love with the place,” he chuckles.
“We offer multiple services all under one roof. Most of the time we’ve got what you are looking for,” says Ben Hann, the current owner of Cotham Hardware
When Hann took up the challenge, he didn’t have a heap of experience in retailing. Instead, his experience centred around being a tradesman.
While the shop may have changed hands over the years, it has remained true to its roots by remaining a community-oriented store.
According to Hann, the friendly bespoke one-to-one service has been the hallmark of Cotham Hardware for over 100 years.
Cotham Hardware has stood the test of time for nearly 110 years
“That’s something you won’t find in many high street hardware shops. I don’t blame them, because they don’t have that training in dealing with customers’ specific needs like we do. We on the other hand talk to customers and give them bespoke advice.”
On the enduring legacy of Cotham Hardware, Hann says: “ We offer multiple services all under one roof. Most of the time we’ve got what you are looking for.
“We’ve got a fine range of painting and decorating tools, electric goods, homeware and seasonal plants.”
Hann takes pride in serving both retail customers, such as homeowners, and DIY enthusiasts and professionals, such as builders, contractors, and handy-people.
“Our goal is to give the best customer service and to provide clients with a personal touch,” says Hann.
“We are people’s people. We love talking to customers and it’s never a drag.”
All photos: Milan Perera
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