A ‘virtual high street' for independent shops, artists and producers has launched in Bristol.
Squiggle is an online site selling local books, art, homeware, clothing, food and drink, plants and flowers, and jewellery. The concept is the brainchild of Rob Hall, who runs Bristol-based Wriggle - an app that shows users exclusive restaurant and takeaway deals.
The idea, he says, is to encourage people to buy from local shops and producers, and help independents sell their products more easily.
The platform is also aimed at giving indies, including those just starting out in business, a space to share their work with a local audience, according to Mr Hall.
He said: “In the first lockdown, the team at Wriggle created Bristol Pantry to help people do all their food & drink shopping from local producers.
“Squiggle applies the same thinking to local non-food & drink products; whether it’s flowers, plants, arts, books, toys/games or clothes - we want to capture the creative essence of Bristol, which is full of fantastic shops and makers.”
There are already more than 50 shops, producers, and creators using the site, including some of Bristol’s most well-know retailers such as Bedminster’s Storysmith book shop; Toyville games shop; Pirrip Press on Colston Street; and People’s Republic of Stokes Croft China.
Squiggle takes a 30% commission to cover marketing and delivery services, according to its website.
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Sophie Delarny, a local potter who turned her passion into a career during the first lockdown, said: “As a local maker who began my ceramics journey during lockdown, I’m thrilled to be involved in Squiggle.
“After all the uncertainty this past year it’s particularly exciting to see this new venture launched specifically to help local, small businesses and creatives - and give me another outlet to reach new customers.”
Chris Chalkley, founder at People’s Republic of Stokes Croft China, said: “The 'Stokes Croft' experiment has been all about local agency and economy for more than a decade.
“In the face of increasing globalisation, initiatives such as Bristol Pantry and Squiggle are vital to the health of the local economy.”
How it works
- Each week, customers can order from across the 50 producers on Squiggle
- Sales close out at 4pm on Wednesday so that the Squiggle team can notify the shops/producers of sales, and arrange for them to deliver to Squiggle’s depot in Old Market
- Squiggle delivers orders across Bristol each Friday
“We’ve got a fantastic range of producers on Squiggle for launch, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg of all the creators the city holds,” added Mr Hall.
“We’d love to hear from Bricks & Mortar Shops, artists, producers, makers and creators - as well as people who’ve learnt new skills during lockdown and want to start turning that into a potential career. We want Squiggle to be a platform that encourages people to explore their passions and turn them into a success story.”
Squiggle is calling for interested shops, producers, creators and artists to get in touch, if they’d like to join the platform.