Shops / Park Street
Pop-up plant shop secures permanent store in coveted spot
A pop-up plant shop in the city centre is set to launch a new permanent base on Park Street, bringing a little extra green into the heart of Bristol.
Having weathered the storms of coronavirus, Mila Plants blossomed from a website to a popular store and bonafide business since it debuted its residency in Cabot Circus in December 2020.
“We originally were supposed to be here for three months. And that was a year and two months ago now!”, said owner and director Sam McKay.
is needed now More than ever
“We love being here, and Cabot have really seen the benefit of having indie businesses come into the centre. They asked us to stay and we will be here for the foreseeable future. But I really wanted a space that was ours.”
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Now, the plant business is putting down roots on Park Street with the launch of a brand new store on the site of a former Samsung shop.
The 34-year-old calls Mila Plants’ new home “a perfect fit” on the “beautiful, colourful, exuberant and independent Park Street”.
The store offers an exquisitely-curated selection of houseplants, complemented by a range of locally-made skincare, hand-crafted pots and eco-friendly home-wear.
Mila Plants is all about ‘bringing your gorgeous inside’ – photo: Betty Woolerton
Sam, a former hospitality worker, praises the commitment and zeal of his team who have helped solidify the business’ future.
He said: “A staff member, Gemini, who’s worked with me since day one when we first opened in Bristol, was crucial to our success.”
Gemini will be store manager for Mila Plants’ new Park Street base, but Sam is also recruiting for five new team members.
“As an out and proud gay man myself, I understand the aspect of identity and the need to be seen”, says Sam – photo: Betty Woolerton
Championing values of inclusion and visibility, Sam explained that the shop’s mission is to give exposure to independent brands and local labels from Bristol.
“There are so many beautiful businesses that we have supported since we opened the store and we add to that on a weekly basis”, he said.
Sam is also excited to unlock opportunities for local LGBT+ makers and creatives by stocking their products at the second Mila Plants.
He said: “The the wealth of talent out there in the community is amazing.”
“That’s probably the thing that I’m most excited for: to be really able to showcase the incredible creators within the LGBTQIA+ community.”
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As well as advocating inclusivity and ethical and local brands, the shop’s technicolour decor has a purpose too.
“As a proud out gay man, I really wanted the store to be a very obviously LGBTQIA plus-owned business”, Sam said, referencing the huge pride flags hanging behind the counter.
“I know the benefit of inclusion. I know the benefit of being seen.
“I want anybody that walks into the store who may be part of the LGBTQIA+ community in any way to know that they are seen and they have a community and they’ve got a space where they can feel loved and accepted and happy.”
Mila Plants’ new store will open early to mid-February.
30 Park Street, BS1 5JA
Main photo by Betty Woolerton
Read more: A business born from one of Bristol’s vibrant subcultures
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