Bristol carpet fitter retires after 64 years in the profession

An 85-year-old carpet fitter is retiring after 64 years on the job.

David Gibbs, from Bristol, started by selling carpets and fitting carpets for some shops in the city as they grew in popularity.

He later went on to open his own business, Bristol Carpets, which he says “took off”.

Once he retires in the summer, Mr Gibbs will hand over his business to his son, daughter and grandson, who currently work alongside him.

“We’re a family business and I’ve enjoyed working with them and seeing them every day,” Mr Gibbs said.

Debra, his daughter, said they have “big shoes to fill.”

The family business fitted carpets for the former Maggs department store in Clifton, as well as other stores, before it started supplying.

Gibbs’ carpet showroom is one of the largest in the region and he said it was also the first and only place in Bristol to ever produce carpets.

Mr Gibbs said he enjoyed meeting and greeting customers and acknowledged their “tremendous loyalty”.

“Bringing carpet manufacturing to Bristol was a real highlight,” he added.

Mr Gibbs said when he retires in the summer he will focus on his charity work for the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.