Accolades have been served in this year’s Best Small Shops Competition, now in its fifth year of celebrating Indie Retailers in the UK high streets and shopping parades. A brand new award category was introduced for 2020 to recognise independent retailers that have demonstrated specific innovation to combat the impact of COVID-19.
Cornucopia, a family-run, independent, home and gift shop in Worcester has been named as Britain’s Best Small Shop of 2020! Cornucopia, whose ethos is all about quality and individuality, stocks both iconic British brands as well as products with a Danish influence that originated with the business founders.
During lockdown it opened a Trouva boutique online with owners Clare and Hannah Bishop taking products home from the shop and turning their garage into a distribution centre. This enabled them to focus on distributing products to customers all over the world as well as giving them the confidence and incentive to open their own online shop.
Runners up in the competition are A G Hendy & Co and Nourish Zero Waste
A G Hendy & Co is a homeware shop in Hastings, which offers practical plastic free, eco-friendly goods for the home. The shop prides itself on old-fashioned customer service, where the everyday is made special. Online has grown immensely for it since lockdown first occurred and it is developing its web retail further and enhancing the customer experience.
Nourish Zero Waste is an ethical, packaging-free, zero waste provisions shop in Topsham, near Exeter. Nourish Zero Waste shop opened in 2019 with the aim is to offer an alternative shopping experience to people who are keen to reduce their use of packaging and plastics, opt for healthier ingredients and start their journey to a more sustainable way of life.
Most Innovative Businesses During COVID-19 – new award category
This year’s competition was revised to better reflect the current retail climate. The Judges were seeking entries from independent retailers that have been demonstrating specific innovation to combat the impact of COVID-19 in a new award category sponsored by booost, the loyalty, gifting and promotions app.
Three generation family bakery in Ryde, Graces Bakery, was recognised with a national award for the way it navigated its way through the first Covid-19 lockdown. During lockdown Graces supported their local community and hospital by supplying baked goods and sandwiches through a delivery service, while also building a brand new website in just one week.
Small Stuff is a children’s shop in Sheffield specialising in ethical and eco-conscious lifestyle products and clothing for small children. The retailer’s online store thrived during lockdown, using customer knowledge to deliver the very best service, also adding informative Zoom videos. They sent out newsletters and free gifts to keep young ones entertained, as well as home schooling advice.
