ART OF CRAFT

‘The high street is the centre of a community,’ says Sophie Rees, the owner of The Bristol Artisan (thebristolartisan.com), a shop that specialises in contemporary design and craft. ‘Small independent retailers play a key role in the local area and offer character and uniqueness to every town.’ When we’re out and about visiting shops on the high street, it’s clear that we get a very different experience from going to a department store or shopping online. Sophie’s store stocks products from more than 60 independent makers from Bristol and beyond, and she believes it’s this that offers customers a valuable experience. ‘We often sell short runs of items that can’t be found elsewhere,’ says Sophie, ‘and have the time for added personal touches. Smaller shops can provide a more individual approach to customers.’ The Bristol Artisan’s stock means that ‘every purchase supports the creative industry,’ says Sophie, ‘and gives money back to the local economy. All in all, we’re helping to create a town we all want to live in.’