The winners of the second Good Retail awards were held at 16.00 on Monday February 5, the first day of Spring Fair @Home, hosted by Sasha Qadri in the Spring Fair @Home studio.
Julie Driscoll, Managing Director of Retail & Fashion for organiser, Hyve Group, said: “We have seen so many brilliant retailers and small businesses within our community who were simply inspirational and felt strongly that we wanted to develop an awards platform which recognised these unsung heroes in retail. This year we’ve been overwhelmed by hundreds of entries into our key categories. To everyone that entered on behalf of the Spring Fair team thank you for sending us your stories of the work you’ve done this year, they’ve lifted our entire team.”
Rob Gamage, Managing Director of Modern Retail, said: “Last year has been tough on us all but we’ve learned from our many entries that there are a huge number of retailers and communities who’ve adapted brilliantly to the challenges of the pandemic. There are some fascinating stories that we’re delighted to share with you”.
Sustainability Initiative Award winner: Harts of Stur
Judges appreciated the transformation the business has taken over the last 12 months.
Many retailers have made great strides in their efforts to become more sustainable businesses. Shortlist, which includes: Small Stuff UK, Leaf and Ground, Pure Bundle, Aesthetic Laundry, True Vintage, Harts of Stur and The English Soap Company.
Instore Creativity Award winner is Wyle Blue World (pictured below)
The winner offered a one of a kind alfresco bar behind the shop, complete with a chef making takeaway pizzas.
Shops have been closed for large chunks of the year but we’ve seen some inspiring ideas in this category. Shortlisted companies included The Lighting Company, Agha Home, Wyle Blue World and Two Faced Twins.
Community Award winner is the Old Moat Garden Centre
Winner for the second year running, The Old Moat Garden Centre is described as a lynchpin of the local community and supporter of those most in need.
This year especially we’ve seen retailers demonstrating just how crucial they are for their communities. The shortlist includes: Make Town, Corbridge Larder, Birdson, Stationery Supplies, MAKE@Aldingbourne Enterprises and The Old Moat Garden Centre & Cafe.
Bricks and Clicks Award winner is Salamander Cookshop (pictured below)
This retailer sought to combine an enhanced conventional retail environment with the opportunity offered by the integration of online environment and communication. intelligent blending of physical and virtual worlds. Everything they do is focused on building value for customers. Zoom personal shopper. Particular thanks went to Hannah at Le Creuset for the level of input she gave to the shopper experience.
There were some very impressive omnichannel initiative from entrants. Shortlisted were Artworx Gallery, Gracie Jaynes, Stationery Supplies, Salamander Cookshop and Kukoon Rugs.
Digital Impact Award winner: Furniture Village with their Sleep well live well campaign
Judges were thoroughly impressed by the highly innovative digital marketing campaigns, but one retailer had the customer at the heart of their success, excellent combination of content and influencer marketing, which won the day. Shortlisted were: Fuzzballs, eatsleepdoodle, Hoogaly, CJ Wildlife, The Shirt Society and Furniture Village.
Retail District Award winner: Made in Ashford (pictured top)
We’ve seen groups of retailers come together to help reinvigorate their local areas as retail destinations. in a year of negative stories about the high street their efforts have been truly inspiring. Shortlisted companies include: Radcliffe Market, Made in Ashford, Hebden Bridge Business Forum and Cupcar Now.
This year’s winner showed a real collaborative approach for the betterment of all their members.
