The Original Factory Shop in Staple Hill recently closed down, leaving a much-used and prominent store on the suburb's high street completely vacant. It is not yet known what will become of the discount shop, which the landlords shut so they could redevelop the site.
But some traders on the high street are becoming concerned that it could be a sign of things to come. Phil Curtis, who has managed The Butcher's Hook for 18 months, told Bristol Live that business has been steadily declining for a year.
"It seems to be getting worse each week. We feel like it has to stop somewhere but it's not.
Read more: Closure of the Original Factory Shop in Staple Hill 'disgusts' shoppers
"Today is the worst day we've had since I've been here. It's a shocker."
Phil says that other businesses around him have experienced the same decline, but none of them can put their finger on why people are suddenly spending less money.
"It seems to have happened all of a sudden. The boss seems to think it will come back, but we say that week in, week out," he said.
Phil says that while they were booming during the Covid pandemic, particularly when pubs and restaurants were closed, they have seen a steady decline in business since the country fully reopened almost exactly one year ago on July 19.
"People say they don't have the money but then you see people buying takeaways. It's very hard for the high street. I can't really blame it on the supermarkets either, I have to go to them."
Phil is not the only one who has been feeling the pinch. Nikki Watten, who owns a plastic-free shop called Nom Wholefoods, says that the economy has made things tougher for her business.
"We are affected, we really do feel the pressures of the economy. People are really thinking about what they are spending."
In particular, she feels that the loss of the Original Factory Shop will be keenly felt in Staple Hill. The inside of the shop has now been emptied out after it closed on July 15, and the posters on front of the shop have been torn down.
"We want to give people reasons to come to our high street, as many as we can, and people do come especially for that shop," said Nikki. "So it will mean less people coming, people will really miss it and really did value it."
Despite this, Nikki says that customers feel that Staple Hill is still "thriving". "The local support for local business is really great," she said.
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