Features / High Street
Bristol’s independent district
Nuts and bolts cover the counter in Pearce’s Hardware Store, as owner Paula Khan helps a customer find the exact size he needs to finish his bathroom.
There has been a steady stream of people coming in on this Thursday morning, to rummage through the wide range of DIY essentials, kitchen utensils and more.
The shop has been serving the Gloucester Road community for 128 years and clearly continues to thrive, as customers value the level of service and advice on offer.
Pearce’s Hardware Store is 128 years old
Paula, along with her husband, Michel, has owned the store for 17 years and says that she has seen some changes in the area over that time, particularly with the influx of cafes.
“I feel that it’s generally thriving as an area – like anything, it goes up and down, but it’s always moving,” she says.
Gloucester Road is often claimed to be the longest street of independents in the UK and, although the odd chain has been thrown into the mix, the independent spirit remains a source of great local pride.
Jack of the Green celebrations – one of the many community celebrations that take place in the area
“Gloucester Road is a real living, breathing community,” says Anne-Louise Perez, manager of the Gloucester Road Business Improvement District (GRBID), who is tasked with capitalising on the on the strengths of the area, building strong community links and making it a visitor destination.
The GRBID was voted in by traders in 2014, with Perez taking up the post of manager in June 2017, and has been responsible for officially branding the area as ‘Bristol’s Independent District’.
Perez believes the role is vital in creating cohesion between businesses and engaging the wider community through a range of initiatives.
“My feeling is that we cannot have a successful high street unless we have a cohesive community of traders,” she says.
“We have a very loyal local community, but I’m trying to increase the discovery of the area through blogs and tours.”
Perez adds that the area overall has a lower empty shop rate than others and attributes its success to the diverse range of businesses, including grocers, butchers, bakers, brewers, restaurants and services, which meet the needs of the community.
Jane Hunt says there has been a revival in people supporting local shops
Jane and Martin Hunt have owned Joe’s Bakery for almost three decades and agree that while Gloucester Road has always been a good high street, it has become more vibrant than ever in recent years.
“The last four or five years has seen a tremendous revival in people supporting local shops,” says Jane.
“Gloucester Road is a fabulous place to be and it’s able to give customers what they want.”
She adds: “We do have to work really to stay ahead and not rest on our laurels, so every quarter, we launch new products.”
Sarah Thorp from Room 212 led an art banners project in the area
Sarah Thorp, owner of Room 212 and spokesperson for Gloucester Road central, says the area at the top of Pigsty Hill was pretty neglected until recently, when traders worked together to turn things around and put on community events.
She says the efforts has made the area a real ‘destination’ and brought an immense feel good factor among customers.
Inside Fox + Feather
Clare Sergeant, owner of Fox + Feather, is also supportive of the work done by the GRBID and says that, combined with a surge in support for independents and more disposable income in the area, has helped her business thrive.
But further up the hill, the number of vacant premises begins to increase.
Comfort Auta says she has seen many changes over 20 years of business
Comfort Auta, has owned and run Comfort’s Afro hair salon, for 20 years and says she has seen many businesses come and go over this time.
“When I was first here, people could park all day without any problems and these days it’s all permit-only,” she says, adding that many of her customers complain about the situation.
Tucked away down an alley off the main street, Reclaimers is a treasure trove of beautiful items of reclaimed furniture, interspersed with an intriguing collection of odds, ends and artefacts.
Asher helps with sales and reclaiming furniture in the Reclaimers
Stephen Olive has experienced a boost with the recent trend for reclaimed furniture
Owner Stephen Olive has been in business for 22 years and in the current location for seven. He claims business is largely unaffected by goings-on in the street outside, but has had a boost with the recent trend for reclaimed furniture.
Trends will come and go, but Gloucester Road’s diverse offering is testament to a thriving high street.
Read more: Dozens of art banners installed on Gloucester Road
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