Bristol independent shop with over 187 artists announces closing day after 4 years - what you need to know
PRIOR Shop, a much-loved independent store in Bristol, will be closing in 2026 after showcasing works from over 187 artists.
PRIOR Shop has been at Cabot Circus for four years and four months, supporting only small-batch makers as an independent, not-for-profit, sustainable store.
The brand opened a second store on Church Road last February.
In November, BristolWorld reported Beck, the founder of PRIOR Shop, announced the Cabot Circus store will be closing down in 2026.
The Church Road store has a minimum three-year lease and will continue to exist for the foreseeable future.
The closing day for the Cabot Circus has now been revealed to be February 1.
Ahead of the closure, PRIOR shop at Cabot Circus will have up to 20% and 10% off online until January 31.
The store will also be having a huge art raffle, with details to be released soon.
Since opening in September 2021, PRIOR shop has paid out £834,101.41 to small batch, UK artists and designers.
The venue has showcased over 187 independent artists, delivered 261 creative workshops, hosted 32 exhibitions, held 15 events (artists talks, Q&A, book and product launces, etc.), supported 12 work experience students and held talks and tours for 154 art college students.
On PRIOR’s blog, Beck said: “Operational costs continue to be higher than what remains after paying artists, and previously crowdfunders, award funding and personal funds have subsidised us over the year to keep the doors open in the city centre.
“PRIOR has, in many ways, become a victim of its own success, having grown without the structural framework or support needed to sustain it long term.
“With our already crippling Business Rates bill set to increase again from April, we can’t afford to operate sustainably here under the current model we have.
“The Cabot Circus management team has been incredibly supportive and we would’ve survived if we were given business rate relief.
“I took on this space and invested personal funds on the understanding at the time that, as a not-for-profit organisation, we would continue to receive the 80% discretionary business rates relief.
“The subsequent removal of this relief is what triggered the financial difficulties that have since escalated.
“The fact that we have been paying the same business rates as Apple, Oliver Bonas and Hugo Boss says everything.
“I remain adamant that the current business rates system creates a significant gap in support for small independent businesses that are attempting to grow and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
“While there is relief available for very small premises, there is almost no graduated or transitional support once independents begin to scale.
“As a result, growing local businesses face disproportionately high financial risk at precisely the point where they are trying to become sustainable.
“Thank you for joining our fight to stay in this enormous unit.”