After 14 years of operating in Broadmead, a prominent luxury fashion store is preparing to shut its doors in April. Garment Quarter, located on Merchant Street, has been a key player in the city center’s retail landscape since its establishment in Bristol in 2010. Initially situated in Cabot Circus, the independent fashion boutique, specializing in designer brands, faced challenges during its earlier years, enduring two ram-raids at its Cabot Circus location.

In 2019, the store underwent a change in ownership when Philip Hankinson and Howard Eggleston acquired it. Despite the change, Garment Quarter is now set to bid farewell to the city center. Posters displayed in the store suggest that customers can continue their shopping experiences through Cruise Fashion.

Situated across from TK Maxx, Garment Quarter’s impending closure contributes to the growing number of vacant spaces along the street, particularly in proximity to the former Debenhams location. This departure follows a trend of other fashion brands exiting Cabot Circus in recent months, marking a shift in the retail landscape.

The boutique’s name, Garment Quarter, reflects the origins of its original founders, John Reid, Christopher Atkinson, and Michael Barker, drawing inspiration from Manchester’s Northern Quarter and New York’s Garment District. Notably, in 2021, Garment Quarter was recognized as one of the city center’s top independent clothing retailers.

As Garment Quarter prepares to conclude its operations in Broadmead, the closure signals the end of an era for the luxury fashion destination that has been a fixture in Bristol for over a decade. The shifting retail dynamics, coupled with the challenges faced by fashion establishments in recent times, highlight the evolving nature of the city’s shopping landscape. The departure of Garment Quarter leaves a void in the city center, prompting reflection on the changing dynamics of the local retail sector.