The Future of Independents

I am the designer and manager of Priormade, a contemporary homewares brand that only uses sustainable materials. I have been designing and making my products for 10 years, so when the opportunity last year (April 2019) came along to open my own retail shop I thought it would be an absolute breeze. ‘I mean, what’s the difference between selling my work at a market to selling a collection of different artists work in a building?’ I chimed. Well, it turns out quite a lot.

As Priormade, I have over 30 brilliant stockists nationwide but it wasn’t until I opened Prior Shop that my appreciation of the hard work, passion and determination these businesses have, really came to light. I have to be honest, before opening my own shop I couldn’t help but think my stockists were a bit greedy and wondered what they actually did to warrant taking a proportion of the sale of the things I made. I can’t tell you how guilty and stupid I feel about that now!

When a retail unit became available; a place where I could sell my sustainable homewares, it also had enough space to relocate my wood workshop onsite. What an opportunity! I’d met so many wonderful responsible product designers over the last 10 years that to me, opening a shop that showcased a collection of homewares and accessories that are made with such care and intent, was a no brainer.

My plan; to carefully curate a space full of exceptional craftsmanship, selling sustainable products that I can confidently vouch for. I ask each artist/designer to fill out a form for transparency that they have been as responsible as they can from idea to product production. It has questions about the material, packaging, suppliers and making processes, and also to understand their business ethos.

When you have a shop full of so many beautiful things, you feel so responsible. Perhaps that is also because I’m a maker and I know how deeply precious all of these pieces are that are now in my care. I am so invested in each product as if it was my own hands that made it.

This year designer/ makers are relying solely on their stockists (and online sales) to replace the markets that have been cancelled. Many industries have had to pivot at such a sharp angle that we still don’t know if we’ve done enough.

The amazing positives of this year are how much indies have upped their online game, and how it’s shone the brightest of spotlights on to ‘shopping small’. Independent shops had never competed with the big faceless corporations, but this year has given us the confidence to shout louder. We may be a tiny shop in an ‘up-and-coming’ area, but yes, we can ship worldwide, yes, we will give you a better service, and you know what, yes, you will receive a far better product. There are no local boundaries now to independent shopping. There has been a growing movement to shop with soul, to purchase mindfully, to buy less and buy better. The pandemic this year has supercharged this movement and

God am I excited for the future of independents!

www.priorshop.uk: Prior Shop is an not-forproift independent store and workspace that prides itself on stocking unique and eco- conscious designs that are made to last. Showcasing 31 designers from skin care, lighting, soft furnishings, plants, jewellery and more, this shop is far from frivolous purchases and throwaway culture.

www.priormade.store: Priormade creates bold and contemporary homewares, lighting and accessories using a range of sustainable and recycled materials. Attention to detail, skilled craftsmanship and responsible fabrication is at the forefront of every design. With 17 colours to choose from in the lighting and planter collection, multiple inner tube earring styles and the rich provenance of the recycled wood (told with the packaging), Priormade is the go to independent brand for Eco- gifts that are made to last.

Prior Shop champions unique eco-conscious homewares, jewellery and accessories that are made to last. Situated in Old Market, this not-for-profit co- op showcases 30 responsible designers.

Beck Prior www.priormade.store