We will be closing our Cabot Circus store in 2026, so this Christmas is your last chance to visit our beautiful shop in the City Centre.
We’ve been in Cabot Circus for just over four years and have successfully run - not just an independent shop in a major shopping centre - but a not-for-profit, sustainable store that supports only small-batch makers.
Having PRIOR in this location for so long has brought me an enormous amount of pride and joy - but the personal sacrifices I’ve made over the years, as well as those made by my staff, have become too difficult to sustain.
We’re getting pretty exhausted. I can see it in my staff, not just myself.
Due to a reduced staff team (due to financial pressures), we also haven’t had the time for collaborations, promotional work or press features, nor to apply for funding, competitions or awards.
All of these things really helped to keep us afloat in previous years.
Those who have followed the journey of PRIOR will know that I willingly chose to swim against the tide when we opened in Cabot Circus. I knew it was going to be difficult, but I didn’t think it would become harder each year, with higher hurdles to overcome. I’ve poured my heart - and my personal finances - into it, hoping it would get better.
PRIOR has always been about connection, community, and collaboration - but over the last two years, we've struggled to fully deliver on these values, as we've been so sales-driven just to survive. Lately, it all feels out of our control.
I want PRIOR be more than just retail.
My staff - past and present - have tried everything we possibly can, so while Quakers Friars is also redeveloping, it’s time to take a break, reflect, and write a new business plan so we can better serve our values.
For those of you who aren’t in Bristol: Cabot Circus is a large, high-end shopping centre and home to huge global brands. I opened PRIOR here in 2021 as a retail anarchy project - I wanted small-batch makers to be represented amongst the fast-fashion giants, but I also wanted to offer a space for business support, workshops, the presentation of art and culture, and a space to discuss, debate, raise ideas and create change.
The company who manage the Cabot Circus estate have been fantastic. They truly support independent retail and have tried to help us so much...
The eye-watering deficit we’ve accrued this year isn’t because of the rent - it’s mainly due to the illogical and unfair way Business Rates are calculated; the operating costs required to run a space this large; the cost of living crisis (which has reduced our average order value); and competition from global retailers selling cheap, imported goods in a fake ‘handmade’ style.
The PRIOR business model simply does not work here.
Redevelopment of Quakers Friars
The new Quakers Friars area will be a busy arts quarter, with plans for regular events, markets, music and a huge amount of Bristol’s independent activity. Think of it as Bristol’s version of Covent Garden. I’ve seen the proposals - it’s going to be amazing!
We’ve been invited to be involved in this new development, so we’re currently planning and writing a business plan for how we can bring a new SHOP BRISTOL tourist shop (in partnership with Visit Bristol) to the square.
The new Quakers Friars area will be a busy arts quarter, with plans for regular events, markets, music and a huge amount of Bristol’s independent activity. Think of it as Bristol’s version of Covent Garden. I’ve seen the proposals - it’s going to be amazing!
We’ve been invited to be involved in this new development, so we’re currently planning and writing a business plan for how we can bring something new to the area.
It’s not the end - we will find our way back with our retail anarchy. We’re just not yet sure when, or in what form…we’ve submitted a number of different proposals, and will keep you updated - a Christmas pop-up here is 10000000% on the cards.
…but this all depends on reaching a sales target 50% higher than last year, to cover our deficit and avoid having to liquidate.
We need you 🧡
- Please shop with us in both stores - Cabot Circus and Church Road - this Christmas.
- Share our online store with friends and family.
PRIOR will continue to exist on Church Road for the foreseeable future (we have a minimum three-year lease 🙂).
ps.This has been incredibly difficult to announce, and I’ve put it off for months. This particular shop means a lot to me. When i announced this on our social media, not only did I keep crying every hour, customers and fellow small business owners kept coming in and bringing gifts.
The supporting raft of Bristol independents is so strong, and this is just a pause to come back stronger
lots of love,
Beck xx
