Shops / News
Shop to shut after 41 years
A shopkeeper has blamed a reduction in footfall on Park Street as one of the reasons why she is closing a vintage store which has been a staple in Bristol for more than four decades.
It comes ahead of the road being closed to through-traffic with work due to start in October on a scheme that council bosses envisage will enable Park Street “to be made into a pleasant environment and encourage people to spend more time supporting the local businesses and cultural venues”.
Uncle Sam’s does not have a closing date yet but owner Kate Territo, who has run the shop for seven years, says it is “imminent” with a sale starting later in April.
Uncle Sam’s owner Kate Territo was one of several Park Street traders against the now-approved scheme to close the road to through-traffic – photo: Will Stannard
In a post on social media, Kate wrote: “I’m very sad to have to let you all know that Uncle Sam’s will be closing down.
“I firstly want to thank all my loyal customers over the years who have enjoyed shopping here and finding themselves pieces I hope you’ll treasure.
“To briefly fill you in on some of the reasons and also the reality of the current economic state affecting small businesses, please read on…
“My business rates have increased substantially which is very damaging, plus many of my other overheads, footfall has depleted on Park Street, and people’s shopping habits have noticeably changed.
“This is having a substantial impact on the business especially after having to endure on and off building works and disruption in one form or another for quite some time now.
“And now there is the concern of the recent plans for a bus gate, and how the work to make these changes will impact things even more. It’s just simply no longer sustainable.”
Uncle Sam’s opened on Park Street in 1984 – photo: Martin Booth
Kate added: “I will be starting a sale this month so keep an eye on my stories for updates on this and I will let you know the final closure date.
“It is imminent though, so come and grab a vintage bargain and please help this whole process go a little smoother for me. I have lots of lovely pieces in here that need a home and need to be worn!
“Please remember to really think about where you shop.
“The high street is so important, the experience of walking into a place with an atmosphere, the joy of hanging out with your friends discussing the outfits you’re trying on or being able to physically flick through records, whatever type of shop it is, that interaction is priceless and if it goes away it won’t be easy to get it back again.
“Just remember you don’t miss it until it’s gone.
“Lastly I want to thank my family for all your help, from picking vintage pieces to regularly sitting shop, chatting to customers and helping sales, building amazing one of a kind shop fittings, non-stop admin, washing, moral support and lots of laughs.
“There has been highs and lows, and I am eternally grateful and could not have done this for the last seven years without you all.
“And to my friend and colleague Alex who enabled me to have a maternity leave and kept this place ticking over in my absence while I took care of my daughter.
“And also thank you to Rudi who has been supplying this place with records for many years, you’ve been a part of this place too.
“To leave on a positive note, what a wonderful shop this has been. What a legacy, a place for memories I hope, as I’ve heard so many stories from people who have been popping in the shop for the past 41 years.
“And on its 41st year, I am sorry to now have to say goodbye.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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