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Business steeped in Gloucester Rugby history closes

Doors have now officially closed at a shop synonymous with Gloucester Rugby and Gloucestershire sport for more than 100 years.

If you are quick - and lucky - you might still be able to grab a bargain one last time at the city centre sports shop, but only because it is clearing its stock.

John Hudson, who owns and runs Hudson & Co Sports, officially closed the doors on Sunday (March 31), but was still trading this morning as he finalises affairs.

"I am retiring and plan to take life easy - or easier," said Mr Hudson, half joking, who took the Northgate Street business over from his father, 50 years ago.

The business, he said, had thrived, but also been an ever-present in his life.

"The only days you really get free are Christmas day and Easter Sunday. Every other day you are either open or thinking about it."

Attempts at selling the business came to nothing with confidence in the future of high street retail at a low ebb.


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 The business closed its main Northgate Street shop front last year, downsizing into the small premises which fronts St Aldate Street.

"Developments like the Quays have been really positive for Gloucester, but for retail in the city centre there are few positive signs, and it is not just Gloucester."

Hudson & Co Sports also opened on-line, managing Gloucester Rugby's internet shop for a period, but he said traders such as himself now competed with their suppliers, and that was only going to go one way.

It was actually his grandfather, Arthur, who played for Gloucester and England at rugby, who started the shop in 1908.

His father, Gordon, also went on to play for the Cherry and Whites with John playing in the local leagues.

Sporting prowess was also in abundance on the female side of the family too, with Arthur's sister, Gwen, playing on Centre Court at Wimbledon in 1951. She qualified for the ladies doubles seven times, the singles three times and played for Gloucestershire at hockey.

Hudson & Co Sports remained a place to go for hockey gear, rackets and racket re-stringing - until now.

John's lifelong connection and enthusiasm for the game of rugby has not left him.

In fact, with more time on his hands he has just taken up playing the game again.

"When you are a lifelong sports fan it is not going to leave you. I've starting playing golf and I've taken up walking rugby. I've been enjoying it," he said.

Read more: For sale: A piece of Glawster's retailing history 

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