An independent Bristol eco-lifestyle store that started life in Old Market is relocating to Cabot Circus.
Prior showcases over 150 of the UK’s leading contemporary sustainable designers and sells organic textiles, clothing, rugs, cushions and blankets, as well as contemporary lighting, plant hangers and original artworks.
The new store at Quakers Friars is much larger than their original Old Market store, which has been open for more than two years, although closed for much of the past 18 months due to the pandemic.
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Prior also has an online shop, which has helped between lockdowns but owner Beck Prior says she hopes its new Cabot Circus site will become permanent after the initial short-term lease.
This new ‘non-profit’ concept store is in a prime location a few doors from Apple, Harvey Nichols and Oliver Bonas. It will be open for six months initially but if it proves successful, it may stay open.
Prior’s well-being collection consists of skincare using 100% organic ingredients, aromatherapy blends, everyday toiletries and home spa treats. The jewellery collection includes eco-silver and ‘fair-mined’ gold, zero waste collections and even a recycling service.
There are also craft kits, greeting cards, reusable lunch bags and functional accessories.
Workshops in craft, design and business mentoring will be on offer and also events timetabled on weekends and weekdays. Prior also has an in-store gallery space featuring in-house artists and rotating art exhibitions.
Beck, who hopes to open the new shop on Friday, said: “I wanted to carefully curate a space full of exceptional craftsmanship, selling sustainable and responsibly made products that I can confidently vouch for.
“I am really committed to creating a conscious, mindful and supportive shopping experience for customers and makers.
“We want to ensure everything we do creates positive impact for our local and wider community, and, of course, the planet.
“We provide living wage employment and 100% of the profits will be fed back into community workshop provision, local creative projects to improve social issues, charity donations and more.”
Prior is the latest small independent business to open at Cabot Circus and its owner says she hopes it marks the start of a new shopping experience there.
“Mila Plants and Fig 1 are also independent local businesses that were on a short-term lease and decided to stay. We are trying to turn this little area into an independent shopping quarter.”
Prior is at Quakers Friars, Philadelphia Street, Bristol, BS1 3BZ.
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