Bristol’s directory of independent shopping locations has relaunched again this year, with a campaign focused on locally-made, unique, consciously-created products, for customers who want to support small businesses this festive season.
The online directory is a collection of fantastic independents with a diverse range of giftable products for sale - from jewellery to plants, homewares to clothes - you’ll be able to find everything in one place. Searching for a local independent retailer has never been easier, and whether you decide to shop in-store or online, the support for your neighbourhood shops will always be appreciated.#
Beck Prior, founder of the sustainable homewares and lifestyle gift-store Prior Shop in Cabot Circus, is spearheading the campaign, and after a challenging couple of years, believes shopping local has never been more vital:
"It’s been so tough for retail over the last few years. It’s so sad to see many small businesses closing or who are on the brink of shutting down, and we’re all exhausted from adapting and pivoting through Brexit, a pandemic and the cost of living crisis. I think it’s incredibly important to stick together to make sure we collectively encourage customers to shop local and save our high streets."
Members of the public may have spotted 20 posters which have popped up around town, which have been designed by local Artist Luke Bains and printed by independent printers Out Of Hand, which can help spread the word about the campaign.
This year there are 40 independents included in the directory, providing shoppers with a huge variety of shopping experiences. Beth from Good Store Studio has been part of the collective before, and says being involved is: "Such a joy. I I love gushing about it to customers who haven't heard of it before and talking up all the amazing independents we have in our city - gives me all that festive warmth!"
The festive period is always an important one for retailers, but local shops always rely on their neighbours more than big corporations. Alice from Paper Plane says her customers are great supporters of independents: "We feel so lucky to have such loyal customers. They love the products we stock and feel like they are really doing something good by supporting local designers / makers and keeping it local". Fran from BAM Store says "we’re really looking forward to being a part of the Shop Bristol campaign again this year. The indie community in Bristol is so inspiring and these shops help shine a spotlight on so many other creative businesses. What an amazing thing to be a part of!"
Wondering what the best way to support independents is this year? Kate from Ashwell and Co says "This Christmas, more than any other, is going to be crucial for so many small retailers. We urge customers to shop small, buy with intention and really consider where they spend their money." Jodie from the Bristol Pop-Up Shop also adds: "supporting and shopping small, keeping our money in our local economy is so vital to keep businesses alive this winter and beyond."
Beck from Prior Shop also says that members of the public are incredibly passionate about supporting small businesses, especially in the current financial situation: "We are finding that customers really want to shop with businesses that they feel connected to; they want to buy unique one-of-a-kind consciously made gifts and want to support their neighbour shopkeeper, artist and small business. This campaign is just to signpost and slipstream people into a directory of 40 wonderful Bristol independents - because what could be better than gifting something beautiful, unique and supportive of the local economy?"
The Shop Bristol Independent Directory is more than just a collection of local shops: these institutions provide variety, colour, and an alternative to mega corporations taking over our high streets. For each £1 spent in an independent shop, 63p stays within the local economy, meaning that you are directly reinvesting into your local community by spending in an independent retailer. For those of you who enjoy the festive cheer of the City centre - the German Market, Christmas lights and eateries - there are a number of independents nestled in Cabot Circus and Broadmead too. In Quakers Friars you’ll find Prior Shop, Mila Plants, Fig 1 and 6 o’clock Gin, and in the Galleries and Broadmead: the Bristol Pop-Up Shop and the Art Club Mrkt.
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