Beloved Dockerills Hardware Store Returns to Brighton in New Home
The iconic family-run hardware store, closed after 109 years, has reopened in a smaller basement location at Store Next Door in Five Ways.
A Brighton Institution Finds New Life
After closing its doors on Church Street in September 2024, Dockerills—one of Brighton's most cherished family-run businesses—has made a heartwarming return to the city. The hardware store, which had been a fixture of Brighton life since 1915, now operates from a cosy basement location at Store Next Door on Ditchling Road in Five Ways.
The original shop on Edward Street opened over a century ago before relocating to its iconic Church Street home, where it became a beloved local institution. When the larger premises closed, the community felt the loss deeply, but the family's commitment to preserving the business has ensured its story doesn't end there.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
Following the passing of Malcolm Dockerill, his son-in-law Ryan Gayler and wife Karen have stepped in to keep the business alive. Ryan, who married into the family in the 1980s, reflects fondly on how the shop has evolved over the decades.
"It was a gold mine that shop," Ryan recalls. "It was busy from 8am until 5.30pm with cash just pouring into the till." However, like many independent retailers, Dockerills faced increasing competition from larger hardware chains, which gradually impacted footfall and takings.
Despite this inevitable shift, Ryan is optimistic about the new chapter. "People like the idea of having Dockerills back on the high street," he says, adding that the smaller format suits modern community shopping needs better than the original large premises.
A Quirky Mix of Old and New
The new Dockerills basement shop retains the authentic charm that made the original so special. Stocked with DIY essentials including cleaning supplies, screws, nails, and door handles, it offers customers a nostalgic shopping experience that feels refreshingly different from impersonal supermarket aisles.
Ryan describes the new shop as "not all pristine" and "a bit like pick and mix"—perfectly capturing the eclectic, characterful appeal that locals have always loved about Dockerills. The space celebrates the store's rich heritage while adapting to contemporary needs.
Community Support
Ceri Lones, owner of Store Next Door since 2019, was enthusiastic about hosting the hardware store. "Everyone loves them, including myself, so it was a no brainer," she says. Having used Dockerills' services many times during her years living in Brighton, Ceri recognised the opportunity to help preserve something special to the community.
Ryan is particularly pleased to be meeting customers again and enjoying the human connection that comes with running a neighbourhood shop. "It's something people don't do enough of these days," he reflects.
With over a century of history behind it, Dockerills continues to serve Brighton's residents, proving that some beloved institutions are simply too important to let fade away entirely.
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