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Another gun shop closing


Harryco
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Hadn't seen this. I needed a few bits so popped in this morning, to be be met by "closing down, everything must go" signs in the windows! I'm gutted as it is a great shop. It's not my closest by a long chalk, but I use it a lot because it's so friendly, well stocked and reasonably priced, much better than anything close to me. A proper gun shop run by shooters, not the country life style places I have to put up with closer to home.

 

The place was packed, news seems to have got out. I got a £50 HMR mod for £30 and a load of HMR ammo for £8.50 a box, but admit to feeling a little bit guilty and vulture like about it :/ . Other people seemed to be picking up some real bargains. If you're in the market for a gun, I'd give then a look, they were always good value but they were really knocking money off the ticket price today.

 

Phil - yes to reloading, mainly consumables rather than hardware though

 

Speaking to Bruce, it came as a real surprise to the staff, non of whom have got jobs yet and one of whom is on holiday to get married :no: Let's hope they get something sorted soon.

Edited by Blunderbuss
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  • 2 months later...

Didn't go bust. Business was good hence why staff so shocked. I bought the last CZ .17 HMR they had. It was very sad to see the remnants in the shop just before it shut down.

 

I thought staff were remarkably restrained given circumstances. The owner of the land / business has sold land for "development" (cheap supermarket- Aldi?) "taking his pension fund" was how it was described, and none of the staff had jobs to go to at the end. A real shame and I hope that they have found jobs by now 'cos the shop didn't close because of anything they did or didn't do that's for sure.

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  • 1 year later...

Sorry to resurrect, but couldn't they relocate?

 

I think you missed something, as above................

 

"The owner of the land / business has sold land for "development" (cheap supermarket- Aldi?) "taking his pension fund" was how it was described"

 

Seems he didn't want to relocate.

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  • 4 months later...

JABB, as a Witney born and bred chap would be great to see more than one gunshop in Witney if it reflects the ammount of people passionate about fieldsports in the area.

 

Frankly I wasn't too upset to when they shut down at Adenbournes seeing as the service at Francis Lovells is consistantly spot on whereas an hours wait for at Adenbournes was not uncommon even for the most minor of things. With Just Cartridges only round the corner it seems like all bases are covered, even Countrywide sell cartridges seven days a week.

 

I'm definately one for some competition though, would you be looking at something more specialist/niche?

 

For my two pennies worth Witney could certainly benefit from a country clothing store in the vein of a john norris/sportsman stock heavy/lots of choice approach

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There is a very nice gentlemans outfitter a few in fact in Cirencester depends on your target market I would think there's more money in clothes shops than gun shops.... Also PW is probably the worst place to look for market research.....

 

Have a look at GlosGunCo for info...

Edited by HDAV
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Still looking at this, as I would be interested in opening a similar venture around Witney / Chipping Norton area. Would love a chat with anyone from Adenbourne to find out a little more about the viability of such a venture.

 

 

 

If you think about it and research it too much you will never do it, the Business plan will almost certainly say forget it, but life isn't always about Business plans.

 

Good luck to you! :good:

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There is a very nice gentlemans outfitter a few in fact in Cirencester depends on your target market I would think there's more money in clothes shops than gun shops.... Also PW is probably the worst place to look for market research.....

Have a look at GlosGunCo for info...

The Cirencester shop is my nearest and I avoid it unless it's absolutely essential. Their prices, especially for ammo are outrageous. The owner can be very rude and offhand unless you are from a certain demographic and intend to spend a lot of money. Its fine if you want to buy a case or two of premium high pheasant cartridges or a tweed suit, but you'll be less welcome if you want a few boxes of clear pigeon or some Jack Pyke clobber.

 

This is why I was always prepared to drive 3 times the distance to Adenbourne and was gutted when they closed. Great selection of stock, knowledgeable unbiased advice from genuine shooting entrhuiasts and keen prices. They were always busy and seemed to be doing well. I'm sure there is a market for another shop in the same area provided it followed a similar model. For me though it would need to focus more on guns, ammo and reloading gear than clothes, gadgets and shooting tat/bling. Jabb, good luck if you go for it!

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There is a very nice gentlemans outfitter a few in fact in Cirencester depends on your target market I would think there's more money in clothes shops than gun shops.... Also PW is probably the worst place to look for market research.....

 

Have a look at GlosGunCo for info...

 

Yep - get my socks from Pakemans...

 

Best shop in the south west, no questions asked.

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The Cirencester shop is my nearest and I avoid it unless it's absolutely essential. Their prices, especially for ammo are outrageous. The owner can be very rude and offhand unless you are from a certain demographic and intend to spend a lot of money. Its fine if you want to buy a case or two of premium high pheasant cartridges or a tweed suit, but you'll be less welcome if you want a few boxes of clear pigeon or some Jack Pyke clobber.

 

 

 

That shop isn't too bad if you actually speak to Tom rather than Pete, he's more down to earth and I value his opinion. Prices are a bit steep though but I guess they can get away with that in Ciren.

 

Think HDAV was referring to the old school gents outfitters in the town rather than the posh gun shop on Chesterton Lane though.

 

Worth checking out Wiltshire Rod & Gun if you want to team clothing with a decent and not overpriced gun selection. Have some good extras in there too.

 

Alternatively, and a little further out for you, I went to Dauntsey Guns today and had a great experience. Plenty of advice around .223 and .243 I'm in the market for but equally happy to sell me £15 worth of rimfire ammo for starters.

Edited by Therealchucknorris
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Think HDAV was referring to the old school gents outfitters in the town rather than the posh gun shop on Chesterton Lane though.

 

 

I was, wondered in there a few months back wondered out with a shirt that was on sale for £45 and thinking bargain left the £125 tweed waistcoat although it did suit me, got home decided the shirt was too big :( but still happy........ Buy guns from gun shops................. buy clothes from clothes shops.........

 

http://www.pakeman.co.uk/category/74/Mens Awesome shop wish i could get all my clothes there

Edited by HDAV
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That shop isn't too bad if you actually speak to Tom rather than Pete, he's more down to earth and I value his opinion. Prices are a bit steep though but I guess they can get away with that in Ciren.

 

Think HDAV was referring to the old school gents outfitters in the town rather than the posh gun shop on Chesterton Lane though.

 

Worth checking out Wiltshire Rod & Gun if you want to team clothing with a decent and not overpriced gun selection. Have some good extras in there too.

 

Alternatively, and a little further out for you, I went to Dauntsey Guns today and had a great experience. Plenty of advice around .223 and .243 I'm in the market for but equally happy to sell me £15 worth of rimfire ammo for starters.

I know the posh tailors in the town. Very good. I have been known to buy the odd lairy bow tie in there for the occasional black tie bash!

 

I do use Dauntesy and find them very good for rim and centre fire rifle ammo and reloading consumables. As with Adenbourne its well out of my way but ten times better than the Cotswold Gun Co in Ciren. I've not tried the Swindon shop, I shall have to do so :good:

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I know the posh tailors in the town. Very good. I have been known to buy the odd lairy bow tie in there for the occasional black tie bash!

 

I do use Dauntesy and find them very good for rim and centre fire rifle ammo and reloading consumables. As with Adenbourne its well out of my way but ten times better than the Cotswold Gun Co in Ciren. I've not tried the Swindon shop, I shall have to do so :good:

 

Sorted...where abouts are you in Glos?

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