Avalaan

Avalaan is a great independent shop. You feel their chilled out mindset when you’re in the store, or reading about them on their website and press releases. Their stuff is pretty cool; they work with only a handful of designers and so some sweet designs make it on their apparel.
Along with their own brand stuff that includes tees, hoodies, jackets, pants, caps and even graffiti markers, they have other stuff sourced in that are pretty good too. Definitely worth a browse, I’m sure you’ll find something you like and the staff is always very, very welcoming indeed.

I think somehow I am not really «street» enough for this shop. Or it’s a boy’s shop. I couldn’t quite work it out. The emphasis is on clothes for «skater bois» and I guess skater girls who don’t mind looking like boys. But apparently it is to be applauded because it was set up by two local lads and is linked in with the local graffiti scene. Avalaan is stocked with lots of brightly-​coloured branded tees and hoodies and does run a great website and link in with the local arts community commendably. I just don’t think I’m cool enough to shop here. That said the guy working there was really helpfu.

If you like practical but cool streetwear then Avalaaan is the place to be. Towards the start of Gloucester Road, Avalaan has not been around long but have made a rather large impact.
Sport and ski wear is never going to be cheap but the reason to shop here is the mix of art, music, sport and fashion that culminates in this relatively small store. Avalaan are often involved in local events, including fashion shows, and many of their designs and illustrations come from South West artists and graphic designers.
Exhibitions are held regularly throughout the year and the work compliments the clothes. Catering for both men and women, the prices aren’t exactly cheap but the quality and design make it worthwhile if you want to look good on your blades or board.

One of the many things I love about Gloucester Rd is the huge range of independent shops and businesses. There are few other parts of Bristol where you can see fresh local talent really shouldering its way in.
Just over a year or so ago now two local lads Sam and Logan started up their very own clothing label. Focussing on the growing styles of snowboard and skate clothing they’ve come on in leaps and bounds. A lot of the clothing designs have deep roots with local graffiti artists and as a result the prices can be a little steep. Rest assured however that this money is paying for quality and shelf life, and the money is going back to the kids that deserve it, not some fat cat corporation.
As big supporters of local up and coming ‘urban’ music Avalaan get about, getting involved with nights out and local festivals. This is a great shop to pick up some original bits of clothing but you really get the feeling that this goes beyond just a clothes shop — it’s a lifestyle.

Avalaan may specialise in sports and ski wear but they’re also a great place to stock up with winter essentials. Heavy duty gloves, woollen gloves and scarves are in abundance here, and it’s the perfect shop to protect yourself from the cold.
This flagship store also has a great range of t-​shirts, posters, shoes and jump suits. The prices are fair for the quality of the clothes, and the shop assistants always smile when you walk through their doors. A lovely shopping experience — better for boys than girls.

This Bristol based company specialises in Snow and Ski wear but also stocks some quite cool street wear. The range changes from season to season, being more snow oriented in the winter and street oriented in the summer, but you can get hold of either all year round. Their hoodies are particularly great, with some fantastic designs but a little on the pricey side at around fifty quid. T shirts are also expensive, setting you back at least £25. You can’t deny the quality though.
If you’re looking to splash out on a snow suit, then this is the place to come; you’d certainly find a coool outfit here.