At Prior, we take immense pride in being the largest shop in Bristol that supports independent makers. As an independent superstore, we hold a significant responsibility to provide prime retail shelf space to as many makers as possible. We go beyond being just a shop; we are a social enterprise driven by a vision and set of values that aim to connect independent makers with the immense opportunity of selling in the City Centre. We see it as our duty.
Currently, we have a waiting list of 260 makers, and this number continues to grow. To remain true to our mission, we believe that if a designer or maker already stocks their products in a shop nearby, it is only fair to offer the shelf space to another deserving individual. Our goal is to support as many small brands as possible and get their products on the shelves of shops throughout the city centre.
Before Prior opened its doors, extensive market research was conducted to better understand Bristol shoppers who actively seek to support local and handmade products. The results revealed that many individuals felt that Bristol's independent shops often looked similar, with a high proportion of people encountering the same products repeatedly. This repetitive nature of the merchandise did not encourage them to explore and visit different independent shops, as it all seemed to be "the same stuff." Taking this feedback to heart, we made it a priority to offer something different at Prior while also ensuring that opportunities were given to a broader range of makers.
Our aim is to encourage customers to shop with all Bristol independents, and we believe that diversifying the products available plays a key role in achieving this goal. By offering unique and exclusive products that customers won't find elsewhere nearby, we present the work of our artists in a unique light: within BS1, we are proud to say we represent an eclectic selection of ethically-sourced products that you won't find elsewhere in the city centre. We encourage makers who have the capacity to stock their products in multiple shops to consider distributing them across 1 to 3 locations in their town or city and then expand to other locations. This approach allows them to reach a larger audience and contributes to the overall growth and success of independent businesses in Bristol and beyond.
At Prior, we are committed to supporting independent makers, fostering diversity in product offerings, and creating an engaging shopping environment for customers. By only stocking unique products that cannot be found elsewhere nearby, we stay true to our mission and continue to connect independent makers with the thriving market in Bristol. Come one come all, we'd love to see you in store.
Beck and The Team x
