Shops / Shop of the Week
Shop of the Week: The Indoor Market, Kingswood
Upon entering Indoor Market, customers instantly notice the variety of services at their disposal.
From a shoe repair service to a yarn supply shop and a cafe upstairs, the eclectic market holds a treasure trove of independent businesses.
Some have been here for decades while others have only just begun their residency on Regent Street in Kingswood.
is needed now More than ever
The Indoor Market spans two floors with over ten businesses inside
Christopher Olive, owner of Taurus – a jewellery, watch, and engraving services shop – started at the Indoor Market over 25 years ago.
Reflecting on how he began, Christopher recalls: “I used to work here in a carpet shop when I was in sixth form. I used to do a Saturday job with a previous owner of a store like this, and then kind of just gravitated into doing this.”
Andy Jotcham, owner of Fred and Alf’s – a second-hand record shop – moved into this same community-focused market just two years ago after previously selling at fairs and flea markets.
“The Indoor Market is good for little startups and companies where maybe you’re not 100 per cent sure whether you can make a go of it,” says Andy.
Fred and Alf’s owner Andy Jotcham is from Kingswood and can recall when the market from his childhood
Whether they’ve been there for one year or 20, the group of independent retailers collectively describes the Indoor Market as one thing: a community.
“It’s great being in here because we all sort of look out for each other. It’s a bit of a family vibe,” says John Pickford, owner of JP Angling, Kingswood Pets and Kingswood Smoking Supplies.
“We’re a little bit of a community of our own. Rather than just, you know, the sole person in the shops,”says Christopher.
The community doesn’t stop with the retailers; it extends to the customers who walk through the door.
John says: “I’ve got customers that I’ve been fishing with, and ones that I’ve been to their weddings.”
JP Angling owner John Pickford has acquired two other businesses since moving to the Indoor Market
“I’ve had customers for over 20 years, and now I see their children and grandchildren coming in,” says Christopher.
To further connect with the Indoor Market community, Andy started Fanzine, a fan magazine that’s centred around all things music.
Reflecting on his interactions, Andy says: “You get talking to customers and they tell you about how they saw Buddy Holly in Bristol in the 50s and you think: someone needs to tell these stories.”
Andy shows how a record he recently acquired made its way back to Regent Street all these years later
The Indoor Market community has spanned across decades and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
Christopher says: “People want to come out more, go to local places, and it’s great they can walk up to the high street and there’s a good service for them here.”
All photos: Lillian Wolford
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