Gabriel’s shuts the tills after 61 years

By Gemma Hockey

GABRIEL’S is open for the last time today. The family-run business in Fountain Street has been an island institution for much of its 61-year history.

Deputy Brian Gabriel, whose father, Ben, started it all, is one of four directors and said the decision to close down had been taken with sadness after six decades of trading.

‘There are mixed feelings,’ he said.

‘After all these years in Guernsey, it will be very different not opening those doors next week.

‘But, as a family, we had to come to terms with the fact that we could not continue going on in the same manner forever.’

He said any remaining stock would be donated to local or African charities.

Deputy Gabriel said he had no immediate plans.

‘I will spend some time with the family and I might even take the dog for a walk,’ he said.

There are some items still left on the shelves, including a pair of extra-large pyjamas, but much of the stock has been sold.

Martin Bridle, who has been a director for 24 years and ran the stores on a day-to-day basis, said all staff who wanted to keep on working had found jobs with other employers.

‘Staff are feeling a bit sad. One or two are taking a break, but the rest have found new employment.

‘After being here so long it’s very hard to see the place close, but we had to face facts,’ he said. ‘As a family we got together and made the decision to close it down,’ said Mr Bridle, who has worked at the store since he was 15 years old.

Mr Bridle said he would be spending the next month winding down the business and tying up any loose ends.

‘We have got a lot of loyal customers.

‘One man came in and told me he had been coming to us for 45 years.

‘It’s definitely hard to fill the intimate niche people are used to these days in terms of clothes shopping,’ he said.

The shop will close its doors for the last

time at 5pm today.

The Gabriel family has decided to sell all 10 of its properties in Fountain Street in one lot, including numbers 22 and 24, which are let to the Good News Christian Book Shop and Trim Dog Pet Centre.

It is expected the sale of the properties will raise millions.