14/12/2025
As many of you know, The Indoor Market is home to a wonderful community of independent retailers and service providers. One of them is The Market Bakehouse. The bakehouse began after its head baker, Ben, sadly had to close his previous business a couple of years ago - a story that’s becoming all too common.
Over the past week, I’ve noticed a worrying trend on Bristol news sites and local pages.
Just yesterday, Bristol Live reported that East Bristol Bakery, a much-loved independent with three sites across the city and a strong reputation for quality, has announced that it will be closing. Rising costs in the hospitality industry; business rates, utilities, staffing costs, and general overheads - have made it impossible for many small businesses to survive.
This news came only four days after the same site reported that Gail’s, a major national bakery chain, will be opening even more stores.
This is the story of our local high streets.
Large corporations with multiple investors and revenue streams can absorb cost increases far more easily. Meanwhile, small independent, and often family-run, businesses are finding it harder than ever to keep going. I often see people saying, “The high street just isn’t what it used to be,” and this is exactly why.
So the purpose of this post is simple:
If you have the opportunity to buy from an independent business, not just those at The Indoor Market, though of course I’d love that - please do.
Even a small purchase makes a huge difference. The money you spend with an independent trader goes directly into supporting real people, real families, and our local community.
I know times are tough. I know it’s often cheaper and more convenient to buy online - we all do it. But maybe, just maybe, one of your purchases this week could be with a small business whose livelihood genuinely depends on it.
Supporting local really does matter, especially at Christmas. ❤️
(AI generated image)
