A new luxury African-Caribbean boutique has opened in Bristol hoping to help revive an overlooked area of Bristol’s shopping quarter. Afro Street first launched on December 6 just before the Christmas rush taking over an empty unit in the Arcade in Broadmead.
The fashion, homeware and gifts store is a platform for progressive Black makers and designers to showcase their beautiful hand-crafted products. Founder Danny Duod, originally from Ghana, runs the company with his partner Kate Spence Duod offering a boutique of luxury, unique products and helping inspire customers to shop locally.
Danny’s first taste for entrepreneurship started while he was studying architecture at a university in London where he launched a t-shirt brand alongside his degree, which met great success.
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“It was unique because normally you’re studying in the week trying to do your assignments and then at the weekend I was trekking throughout London trying to sell some t-shirts and distributing to your customers. It was like running a double life.”
Danny founded Duodu London, his African streetwear fashion brand, in 2012 fusing traditional African print with contemporary styles. His dream was to find the perfect permanent space for a store to house African-inspired brands, and after hosting a number of pop-ups in cities around the country, Danny said the reception in Bristol was by far the warmest.
“I did one event at Afro Fest in Trinity Centre and the reception was amazing. People came down from Cardiff for the festival and I think it was the biggest sale from a pop-up, even more than London and Afro World.”
Danny and his family live in Crewkerne, some 40 miles south of Bristol, and found it to be one of the most culturally rich and progressive cities in the UK. The couple were drawn to an empty unit in the Arcade, which felt like the right fit, and liked the connection it had to London having been modelled on the famous Burlington Arcade in London’s Piccadilly.
“It’s so flamboyant and because we wanted to create a luxury space, it was the best option to create this. If you look at Broadmead and the high street, there aren’t many luxury brands so we thought the Arcade would fit our vision and we’re glad we have it.”
Afro Street has partnered with around a dozen Black-owned businesses for designers to sell their own products in-store, including fashion brand Tetteh Plahar Designs, Sock of a Kind, drink brand Root2Ginger, Kromanti Tamarind rum and Iṣura jewellery from £15. Danny also sells his own beautifully designed, high-quality jackets and t-shirts in-store and on the shop’s website.
The couple recognises that it’s a strange economic climate to be setting up a physical store. Danny explained: “It’s almost like when everyone is going left I’m going right. If you don’t take the risks then you never actually achieve what you want. I think people are hesitant to move into spaces at this time of year.
“In the week leading into Christmas the shop was crazy because more people were spending for gifts, but we do sell essential items too. I think people still want to enjoy life evening though there is a cost of living crisis, people will still want to buy some rum to warm their hearts and gifts for their loved ones.”
Danny explained that most of the products they are offer unique, which is what sets the store apart from the crowd. Every brand emulates the same ethos that Danny and Kate hold, offering high-quality, luxury boutique brands.
“We’re creating that space where you can shop for everyone in your family,” Danny added. “It’s growing and the word is getting out, more people want to join and sell in the shop.”
Danny said the couple has poured their hearts into the space. “It’s much needed in the Arcade. It’s been looking a bit tired so it’s helping to revive the space a little bit.”
There is also a versatile basement that Danny hopes to work with the student unions in Bristol and invite other organisations to host workshops to unite the community. Bristol City Council has given Afro Street a grant to help redevelop this space to host events.
Afro Street is hosting a launch party on Saturday, January 14 from 5pm to meet shoppers in the area and showcase the eclectic range of products on offer. There will be music and and cocktails along with the chance to shop after hours.
Find Afro Street at 23-25 The Arcade, Broadmead, BS1 3JD
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