Long-running Bristol independent shop to close after almost 50 years

A long-running Bristol arts and craft shop is set to close its doors after 44 years. 

Creativity on Worrall Road, just off Whiteladies Road in Clifton, has been open since 1979, but its final day is tomorrow (November 11).      

Owner and founder Pippa Swindells, who has run the shop since it opened, has decided now is finally the right time to retire.        

“I’m at an age where I need to retire and get on with other things in my life, and have more time to do all the things that I enjoy,” said Pippa, who has recently turned 70.  

“I do enjoy painting, stitching but I also want the freedom that when you run a retail shop you don’t really have. I’ve worked every Saturday, even through having children.  

“I think I’ll get used to it quite soon but I will miss it and the people, a lot of which have turned into being friends.”   

The shop sells a range of craft-related supplies, including needlework, jewellery-making, candle making and macrame. It occupies two shop fronts, with Pippa previously running workshops at the space.   

She added: “I feel overwhelmed with the response we have had from people about how much they’re going to miss it. I had no idea I would get such a response. 

“The fact we’ve been here through the generations - we’ve had four generations in some people’s families where they’ve come in. That’s been really special for me. 

“I will miss it enormously, it’s part of my life.”   

Due to Pippa leaving, her landlord has put the shop up to let and she is keen to see another independent move in.    

She continued: “I just want people to realise that independent shops are still vital to our well-being and the sort of stuff that people buy from here is really helpful for their lifestyles.

“Although it’s not so easy to set up as I did, it’s still possible. The local people have been fantastic, they supported us so well and I’m really appreciative of it because I wouldn’t have lasted.

“It was a gentle start but it took off big time before the internet, because there wasn’t anywhere to buy this stuff then but now it’s settled down to being a bit of a battle with that. I think it’s not all over for independents.”