Last-minute Christmas shopping: 8 Bristol independents to look out for
Posted on: 17 Dec 2021Find the perfect present this Christmas courtesy of a selection of Bristol's finest independent retailers.
Christmas is just around the corner, but fear not, there's still time to get your hands on the perfect gift in time for the big day.
Of course Amazon offers unbeatable prices and Argos is always just around the corner, but independent stores need your support more than ever in 2021, having suffered huge losses during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Forget the time crunch and head to any of the stores listed below to get your hands on some top-notch presents for your nearest and dearest.
Strange Brew Creators Market I 10-12 Fairfax St, BS1 3DB
Tomorrow, Saturday 18 December, city-centre staple Strange Brew hosts its final Creators Market of the year. From 12:00 until 17:00, an array of the Southwest's finest creative talent will set up shop in the venue, selling everything from sustainably made clothing to hair care products and sculptures.
As per, the event is soundtracked by Neutral Face DJs, and a menu of mouth-watering food courtesy of Palestinian style favourites Jafra is on offer.
Wild Leaf I 43 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, BS7 8AD
Community plant store Wild Leaf is the perfect place to find a last-minute gift for any nature-loving friends and family. Having recently relocated to larger premises, the team have curated a fine selection of quirky and unusual plants in a range of sizes to help bring any room to life.
With a friendly team of plant lovers all with expert knowledge and passion, you'll no doubt walk away with the perfect gift.
Sobeys I 6-7 The Arcade, Broadmead, BS1 3JD I 24 Park St, BS1 5JA
Purveyors of vintage and reworked clothing, there is undoubtedly something for your friends or loved ones in either of Sobeys' two Bristol stores. Much of the retailer's stock, which ranges from clothing to accessories, is one-of-a-kind, making Sobeys the perfect place to find a truly unique gift.
Head to either city centre venue to chat with a friendly team.
Silver Scene I Unit 31, The Arcade, Broadmead, BS1 3JD
The independent designer and retailer of hand-made sterling silver jewellry has a unique selection of stock from all corners of the globe on offer, from rings to necklaces and cufflinks to tie clips. Nestled in the Arcade, Silver Scene has garnered a reputation for selling high-quality accessories - the perfect sentimental gift this Christmas.
Head down and meet the team!
Card Shack I Unit 5, The Arcade, Broadmead, BS1 3JA
Offering a variety of cards, accessories, and small gifts, Card Shack could be the one-stop shop you need at this late hour. Showcasing some of the finest local and national independent talent and with a huge selection of items to choose from, there is doubtless something of interest here.
Why not head down and see for yourself?
Friendly Records I 59 North St, Bedminster, BS3 1ES
Selling a range of new and used vinyl spanning a vast array of genres, Friendly Records is the perfect place to find some new music or merch for a friend or loved one in a relaxed atmosphere.
Open tomorrow, Saturday 18 December, from 12:00 until 18:00, a friendly and knowledgeable team of staff will be on hand to guide you in your pursuit of the perfect musical gift!
The Last Bookshop I 60 Park St, BS1 5JN
In the shadow of the famous Wills Memorial building, The Last Bookshop has stood steadfast since 2011, and is the perfect destination for those with book lovers among their friends and family.
An array of fiction and non-fiction books are displayed, all available for purchase for just £3. You won't find a bigger bargain anywhere else, so go and find someone's next great read!
East Street Emporium I East St Emporium, 127 East St, BS3 4ER
Home to over 30 independent makers and creative traders, find the perfect Christmas gift from the eclectic and vast selection of products available in the heart of Bedminster.
Inside the Emporium, you'll find vintage clothing and homewares, terrariums and plants, art, candles, ceramics, jewellery, crystals, upholstered furniture, children's wear, weavings, batik, and ethical make-up amongst other things - check it out.
It also looks like another tough winter for local bars and restaurants, too. Make sure to check in with your favourites in case they have vouchers for sale. Good luck!
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George is a journalism graduate and writer passionate about music and culture. Get in touch via email at george@365bristol.com
