Shops / Shop of the Week
Shop of the Week: Kondi Gifts, Henleaze
Celebrating their 15th anniversary this year, Kondi Gifts is a small independent shop that sells a wide range of cards and gifts, including clothing, jewellery, toiletries and children’s toys.
Located on Henleaze Road, owner Sandra ‘Sandy’ Wilson said that they were well-supported by the local community, with many regular customers who appreciate the personal touch of the shop: “You become friends with these people, you know, they’re part of our lives really”.
Kondi Gifts features work from local artists and designers, including cards, prints, ceramics and jewellery.
Kondi Gifts refresh its stock regularly from local suppliers and trade shows
Sandy said that the locally sourced products were very popular, with cards in particular being one of their top sellers.
She commented that there is “nothing better than when somebody comes in and they’re looking for the card and you can get just get the right card for them”.
“And there’s not many good card shops,” a customer chipped in. “I came in for one and I’m going out with five”.
The shop’s card collection includes a range of 3D pop up cards
The shop also sources new products from a range of trade shows and aims to keep their stock refreshed regularly: “Customers always want something different so it’s always evolving”.
Although Sandy acknowledged many challenges for high streets at the minute, such as increased business rates and rising prices, she was positive about the future of independent shops like hers: “I know it’s hard and I know a lot have gone under, but because of the customer base we’ve got, I feel quite positive about us.
“You know, we’ve got a great butcher next door, we’ve got a fruit and veg up the road, we’ve got some independent coffee shops – Loafer, La Scala, you know – it’s a good place to come”.
All photos: Miranda Devine
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