News / hanham
End of an era for independent gift shop
The owner of a small business that gained national recognition as one of the best in the UK has announced she will be shutting up shop for the final time.
Nicola Bartlett announced that Eclectic Gift Shop on Hanham High Street will switch to online only from March 23 as she makes plans to take off for new adventures.
The business owner has acted as a voice for independents over the years she has been running the small shop that showcases and sells wares from Bristol artists and makers.
is needed now More than ever
Eclectic Gift Shop was named one of the UK’s best small businesses by Small Business Saturday in 2019, the same year Nicola starred in a national Visa ad campaign championing local high streets. She was also invited to the House of Lords to celebrate her business.
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Making an announcement on Instagram, Nicola said: “3rd March 2024 will be my final day operating from Hanham High Street. From that date, Eclectic Gift Shop will be online only. Hanham, you’ve been fantastic but I’m ready for a change.
“Twenty years ago, I bought a rucksack and travelled around Europe with a dear friend of mine. I still have that rucksack and it’s time for me to use it again. This time I’ll be travelling with my husband, and we are both so excited about the adventures we’re going to have.
“Please don’t be sad. Commercially the shop has always been a success and I have been very happy earning a living doing something that I loved.
“I was invited to the House of Lords to celebrate my small business, Saatchi & Saatchi came to film the shop and it’s also been nationally recognised as one of the best small businesses in the UK by @smallbizsatuk, won several awards, has had countless local press coverage and has been included in Bristol guidebooks.
“I’m so incredibly proud of how successful the shop is, and I am even prouder of all the wonderful memories we’ve made together along the way. I’m moving on because I have a burning desire to do new things and make different kinds of memories.”
Nicola finished by thanking the people from Bristol and beyond who have supported her small business over the years both in person and online. She has also assured customers there will be plenty of new gifts and cards in the shop to cover any milestones, as well as Valentine’s Day and Mothers’ Day, before the shop closes in March.
Main photo: Nicola Bartlett
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