The search is on to find 2020’s best independent retailers. Last year, several independent gift shops make it to the Best Small Shops final 25 to include Joco in Nuneaton, Mooch Gifts & Home in Bewdley and Stourport, For The Love of the North in Whitley Bay and Oliver’s Brighton.
Among the organisations supporting the initiative are the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) and the Greeting Card Association (GCA).
“Despite the challenging retail environment, there is plenty of evidence that people value and think it’simportant to support small local businesses and independent retailers,” commented Mark Walmsley, chairman of the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC).
“These retailers sit at the heart of communities up and down the country, offering a meeting place, not to mention choice, diversity, innovation and genuine customer service. That’s what we are celebrating with these awards. We have a bright and vibrant independent retail sector and it’s important that we put it in the spotlight.”
Independent retailers across all retail sectors, to include gift and home, are invited to enter, with 25 of the most impressive applicants shortlisted and invited to attend the Best Small Shops Awards which will be held at the House of Commons on November 3.
The most successful entrants, selected over 10 weeks of consumer voting, will go forward to an industry panel and review, who will select the 25 most impressive entrants.
Every business who enters will be displayed on the Indie Retail directory helping to raise awareness.
Top: The 25 finalists in the 2020 Best Small Shops competition will be invited to an awards ceremony at the House of Commons.
