Independent shopping: Fox + Feather

You can find Fox + Feather on Bristol’s famed Gloucester Road, proudly flying the flag for independents as the longest stretch of independent shops in the UK.   

On stepping into the store you’ll regret not having found it sooner. It’s a treasure trove of cool, quirky clothing and accessories for men and women at a really decent price. And for the majority of things in store, Fox + Feather is the only place you’ll find it in Bristol, so chances are you won’t be bumping into anyone with the same outfit as you.

Fox + Feather was set up as an alternative to high street chains to give shoppers a chance to find something a little bit different but within the same price points, owner Clare tells us.  

Browse pretty summer dresses and skirts, illustrated tees, jeans, shoes, hats and accessories more from sought-after brands like Louche and Hymn, as well as their own label ‘Ragged Robin’. You’ll also find unexpected little bits like kitsch notebooks, bookmarks or loose leaf tea dotted around the shop. 

The shop itself is very cool, styled out with vintage furniture and reclaimed wooden boards.  There’s a nice, laid-back vibe in store and Clare chats happily with customers as they come in.

Can you tell us a bit about Fox + Feather? 

We opened in March 2012. Our aim was to create an alternative to high street stores, so it would give people a reason not to have to go to all the chain stores, but still be within those price points. We are daywear mainly, with a little bit of party/ weekend stuff. 

Last year we won ‘Best New Business of the Year’ from Drapers, which is a big industry award! We were really impressed. We actually got highly commended the year before, but we had only been trading for under a year. 

What’s your background?

My background is in fashion retail. I’ve done a few different things; I did visual merchandising where I looked after 32 stores in the UK, so I travelled a lot! I’ve also worked as an accessories buyer for a chain that had eleven stores throughout the UK. Basically, I’ve always worked in retail and it got to a point where I could see a gap in the market – especially on this stretch in Bristol – and I thought, ‘I need to do this for myself’.

What makes Fox + Feather unique?

We have our own brand which we started up and sell in-store called ‘Ragged Robin’. We started out working with a local illustrator to produce a range of t-shirts to sell in store, but it was so successful that we started getting other stores wanting the range and so we started the label. It’s now stocked in Paris, Berlin and Barcelona, but we’re the only place in Bristol that stocks it. We’re really hoping to grow that side of the business.

You’re situated on the longest stretch of independent stores in the UK. What’s the best thing about running an independent shop on the Gloucester Road?

I think just having the chance to get to know so many amazing people on this stretch and the crazy characters that live around here! And the really good community spirit that we have between all the independents working here. We’re all striving to make this still a successful thing here.       

On a sunny day when there’s that real feeling of community. We’ve got a bar opposite and you can hear people sitting outside drinking beers in the sunshine. It’s always a really good vibe.       

Shop online: www.foxandfeather.co.uk 

0117 3292575
43 Gloucester Road, BS7 8AD
Monday to Saturday – 10am – 6pm
Sunday and Bank Holidays – 11am – 5pm