Local business showcase

Located just across the road from our offices is Eclectic Gift Shop, which is packed full of the best gifts and items from Bristol independents. We love a visit here and met with Nicola to find out more…

Hello Nicola! Tell us about your wonderful shop…

“Founded in 2017, the Eclectic Gift Shop sells inspiring gift ideas, cards and art created by over 100 talented businesses based in Bristol and beyond. I’m really proud to stock the widest range of locally made gifts in Bristol – you can find everything from handmade jewellery, ceramics and glass, Bristol souvenirs and art, natural skin care and zero waste bathroom products, baby gifts, natural candles, reed diffusers and so much more.

“The newest area in the shop is a foodie and drink corner containing locally made chocolates, treats, beers, ciders and spirits. It’s been a real hit. Customers love trying local produce and enjoy selecting items to put together one of our hampers for friends and family.

“For me, it’s important understanding where and how an item was made. I work with an incredibly talented group of artisan makers and creators. By choosing to work with them over large corporations massproducing items that are manufactured overseas, I ensure that money goes back into the local economy – where it matters. For example, when I pay someone for their art, chances are they’ll be using that money to put food on the table or buy some shoes for their kids. They might even spend it in a local coffee shop.”

What do you love about Hanham and running a business here?

“Hanham is a brilliant place to run a business. The local community has always been so supportive and really care about shopping locally and supporting small, independent businesses. It has a real sense of community and we’re very lucky to have a nature reserve at the bottom of our High Street.

“It’s fantastic running a business on a thriving High Street. I’m organising deliveries every week so there’s always something new to see. Knowing the producers personally is exciting – it’s great seeing how their ideas develop over the years.”

Talk us through the last 5 years for Eclectic Gift Shop…

“It’s hard to describe as so much has happened during that time. Huge things like being invited to the House of Lords to celebrate my business or being headhunted by Saatchi and Saatchi to make a TV commercial about the shop. Things like that are great, but to me the best thing is feeling a real part of the community here. Chatting with customers. Laughing so much we cry. Sharing stories about our holidays. Hearing about new jobs. Meeting new-born babies. Some little customers call me “Auntie Nicola”. No award is ever going to top that.

“It’s certainly been a challenging time for small businesses in recent years and many that I work with have said that the shop has been a lifeline for them as their products are available on a busy High Street and on my website which has been growing too and now means I can ship our items all over the UK.

“Opening the shop is the best decision I’ve made. I had good jobs before as a fundraising consultant, teaching English as a foreign language and finally working as a manager in the NHS – but I love the freedom of being responsible for my business. It’s never dull, and it’s constantly challenging and exciting. I’m always learning, adapting, and trying to improve my business.”

What do you think about the future of independent businesses?

“I think the future is really positive for independent businesses who have something different to offer. Running the shop is like being part of a movement – fighting for those important things that were almost lost throughout the years. I believe there’s a powerful drive to go back to buying locally made items.

“The last few years have highlighted to people how dull the world would be if they’re unable socialise and visit shops, pubs, cafés, and restaurants of their choice. People will always want to go to community spaces and most of retail shopping is still in-person for that reason. You can’t beat picking things up and seeing them in person… and you certainly can’t have a conversation about the weather with a digital shopping cart when shopping online!”

Thank you Nicola and we cannot wait to visit soon!

Check out this wonderful independent business for yourself:

Eclectic Gift Shop,

51C High Street, Hanham, BS15 3DQ