Hurst: how it all began – the

Hurst

– how it all began

Above and below: The scrap yard in the Sea Street premises, where the foundry was located

Everyone on the Island knows the name of Hurst – or ‘Hursts’ as it is colloquially known. Who hasn’t found exactly what they were looking for amongst the shelves of this old-style and yet bang up-to-date store? It has been with us as long as we can remember, but when did it start and what is the story of this well-known and much-revered Island company and brand?

WHurst and Son was started by Charles Wheeler in 1859 as a foundry concentrating on agricultural implement manufacture, servicing and repairs for the Island’s booming farming industry. At this time, it was based at Pan Foundry, near the old mill at Pan Bridge, and the company also acted as agent for D.M. Osbourne & Co.’s “celebrated Kirby mowers and reapers”. In 1886 Charles Wheeler purchased 33, Holyrood Street, which remains Hurst’s main Island premises to this day, although it has now expanded along the length of the road from Crocker

Street to Lugley Street. It was originally the Primitive Methodist Chapel and the original flagstones from the church forecourt still form part of the flooring in the tool shop department. At this time, the foundry was moved to Sea Street and the Holyrood store was set up as offices and a showroom for the sale of ironmongery and other products cast at the foundry. In 1891, William Hurst joined the company and the present name was adopted. Most of the manhole covers, drain covers and other heavy metal coverings on the Island were made by the company at this time and onwards. If you have an old home, check your drain covers and you will probably find the name Hurst on them. Or when you

33 Holyrood Street: this tumbledown house bought in 1886 is the flagship store and one of six across the Island

If you have an old home, check your drain covers and you will probably find the name Hurst on them. Or when you are walking down the road, notice the Hurst name on older manhole and street drain covers.

are walking down the road, notice the Hurst name on older manhole and street drain covers.

At this time, the stock included a range of products from fencing and gates to furnace bars and bakers’ oven works. Kitchen ranges and troughs lined one wall while larger agricultural machinery such as steam and horse-powered chaff cutters, mills, separators, ploughs and harrows filled the showroom. Various workshops were equipped for their different purposes with iron and brass foundries turning out castings of all descriptions, shapes and sizes. The business passed from the Hurst family on the death of William in 1950 and is now a limited company. One of the mainstays of the company was the supply and servicing of milking machines for the Island’s 200-plus dairy herds and, up until the 1960s, it continued to trade almost solely with the farming community. It also operated as a blacksmith’s forge with three farriers shoeing shire horses from the prison and paring cart-oxen’s hooves. Hurst began to expand from the 1960s to 1997, opening a further five stores Island-wide in Ventnor, Ryde, Cowes, Freshwater and Shanklin, and these six shops now employ 81 people. This expansion was down to the great leadership skills of Harry Chivers

Directors through the years left to right are Robin Mclaughlin, Harry Chivers and David Bowley

and Robin McLaughlin as Managing Directors, which is where their legacy continues, with all Hurst’s stores still having a strong presence on the high street today. Also, in the 1960s, Hurst became a Calor Gas supplier, and older readers may remember the many Calor Gas bottles stored in their Sea Street premises, and their distinctive Calor Gas delivery vans. Currently Calor Gas is only available from their Ryde store. Although Hursts have remained as an Ironmongers, the company gradually expanded its product ranges over the years to follow the current trends, such as lighting, china, glass, housewares, gardening, and outdoor living. The stores now boast over 25,000 product lines to choose from, and a wide range of different areas, from hammers and nails, crockery and tableware, irons and toasters, to barbecues and camping gear. The Newport store holds all items they sell, as it is the largest store. All the other stores sell more or less what Newport have, but just not so many items from each range. However, items can be ordered from other stores and picked up at the store closest to you. With such diverse product ranges the company believes this has forged the Hurst culture today of ‘Housewares and Hardware for All’, with each department in store designed to suit the customer. Speaking of customers, there have been a few famous faces in the Hurst stores over the years. Celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh was a regular customer – perhaps for his gardening needs – and the staff of Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, contacted Hurst and purchased items for his Highgrove Estate. They have even had a visit from Rap royalty as when Jay Z performed at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2010, he dropped in to purchase some wellies! After taking over from Robin McLaughlin, David Bowley was

Foundry workers circa 1904

instrumental in introducing the Hurst’s online store (www.hurst-iw.co.uk) in 2006, which has grown from strength to strength over the years, with many loyal returning customers. Just take a look at their Trust Pilot reviews, which will tell you all you need to know. Of course, Hurst is also known for its personal service. If you regularly shop in Hursts the staff will usually know you by name, and their staff members stay with the company for long periods of time. Quite a few have been with the store from leaving school until they retire. The atmosphere is friendly and personable, and if you ask for help you always have top customer service, and they’ll almost always have exactly what you need. They also offer helpful advice and suggest items you might require for a specific job. As their motto says: “Try Hurst First!” The current Managing Director, Peter Hartnell, is steering the company in a great direction, with many strategic changes, which will ensure the company continues to thrive in today’s market and long into the future. As a long-standing independent company, not only do Hursts understand the importance of quality, they strive to be competitive on pricing in store and online. On many occasions they are cheaper than the main contenders in today’s retail market. Hurst may only be a small independent company with six stores on the Isle of Wight but, as they say, never underestimate the underdog! So, if you’re looking for the best choice of brands at affordable prices and good old fashioned customer service, look no further… Try Hurst First

Opened in: 1859 Started as: A Foundry Now has: Six shops Employs: 82 people