The 360 Company Blog

The Bunker

How demand for army surplus helped Bunker Bob land on his feet

Little did Bob Ryan know after retiring from the parachute regiment and taking a market pitch to sell his old kit, this would start him on a journey to owning his own army surplus business in a town at the other end of the country.

From these early beginnings spent trading from a tarpaulin on the ground in Gretna Green 27 years ago, Bob's venture has changed significantly. He now trades from a business called The Bunker over 400 miles away in Wadebridge, Cornwall.

Land's End to John O'Groats (well, almost)

It was on finding that demand for his army kit was so good that made Bob decide to expand on his selling success. Sourcing a couple of suppliers, he started a business providing army surplus supplies. Over the years this has grown from one market stall to, at its peak, eight shops in Kent.

Five years ago however, the desire for a simpler lifestyle led to Bob wanting to downsize, and he relocated to Cornwall to set up The Bunker.
Here, Bob sells all kinds of army goods from his shop and online company, including clothing, footwear, netting, camping gear, BB guns, helmets, masks, and equipment like torches, binoculars and rucksacks.

Huntin', shootin' & fishin'

Customers include the more obvious candidates like regular army recruits who, we were surprised to learn, have to buy a lot of their own kit themselves. Also, army cadets and Territorial Army soldiers, as well as those with nothing whatsoever to do with the forces, like hikers, hunters, fishermen, builders, and farmers.

Bob also sells children's camouflage and uniforms, adult fancy dress and uniforms for the navy and air force.

Top Ebayer

Having been trading on Ebay for some time, as well as over the counter, Bob is very aware of internet opportunities. Keen to build on his online selling success he is currently making plans to launch a new army, navy and air force supplies company, selling bulk goods to the wholesale market exclusively by e-commerce.

"I love it here in Cornwall." he explained, " I feel like I've recharged my batteries and I'm ready for the next stage of my business."

War Horse

Putting down roots and quickly fitting into the more laid back existence, Bob has been welcomed by the local community where he is now known affectionately as 'Bunker Bob'.

Happy to help out with local schools and clubs, Bob regularly lends them WWI and WWII artefacts. Children enjoy handling items from history that they have never come across before, such as gas masks, camouflage nets, jerry cans, helmets, badges, and ration packs.

And his local involvement led to The Bunker winning best window display in Wadebridge this summer, with Bob's War Horse themed display which came complete with a life-size model of a horse.

Take a look around The Bunker in the virtual tour below.
Visit The Bunker at Eddystone Road, Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7AL. Tel 01208 815551.
Find them online at www.thebunkerwarehouse.co.uk.

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Date: 31 October 2014
Author: The 360 Company