Shops / Shop of the Week
Shop Of The Week: BAM, Easton
Originally founded in 2019 by Fran Harkness, BAM proudly stock a curated selection of independent and local products.
Located on Belle Vue Road in Easton, shop manager Vicky Myatt enjoys how communal their space has become, saying that so many friendly faces make the shop feel embedded in the community.
Vicky Myatt manages the homeware and gift shop
They showcase a wide range of gifts including various artists’ prints and cards, handmade jewellery and accessories.
They also stock carefully crafted children’s toys like crochet stuffed animals and wooden figurines, numerous books and stationery and even an assortment of pottery pieces.
All of their stock is gathered together either from local artists or independent companies based throughout the UK.
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Not only do they focus on spreading independent and local work to the community, but they offer various events including the very popular ‘Crafter School Club’ and artist led creative workshops.
‘Crafter School Club’, the team said, typically is the fastest to sell out.
Weekly, parents may drop off their children and they get the opportunity to create something and bond with others who attend.
The other workshops hosted include an array of arts and crafts such as macramé plant hangers, Christmas wreaths and heat press fabric prints.
The shop hosts a range of local independent makers
Every individual product and workshop build up the shop’s fun and unique personality.
With an extensive amount of thoughtfully crafted products, you are sure to find something you love here.
Vicky hopes that the shop is “bringing a bit of joy to life.”
Various prints fill the walls throughout the shop
Artist Naomi Wilkinson’s products are extremely popular amongst those visiting the store.
The local illustrator, based in Bristol, creates products like prints, t-shirts and stickers.
The colourful environment typically has visitors from all over Bristol as well as those who have travelled to see the store thanks to their following on social media.
Familiar faces make BAM create a safe and social atmosphere for those shopping and those working.
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BAM has been opened for nearly 6 years, proudly stocking various gifts from local and independent artists.
Shortly after opening Covid 19 struck, they had the support of the community which kept their shop thriving.
“Luckily we had already attracted lots of lovely customers who supported us over the next few years”, said owner Fran.
BAM stock a wide variety of children’s toys and games
They are a community interest company, so they value being a non-profitable shop.
Instead, their income is used to promote the local art community.
“We do this by sponsoring the BS5 Art Trail, offering free workshops at events like that, creating window art to brighten up the area and bring joy and we also offer free venue hire for kids creative workshops”, said Fran.
The shop is located just a short walk from Stapleton Road Station
BAM, 104-108 Belle Vue Road, Bristol, BS5 6BX
All photos: Jaime Little
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