Entries are now open for the annual competition, which includes a new category for 2020.
The Independent Retailers’ Confederation (IRC), a group of multi-sector trade organisations representing over 100,000 indie retailers throughout the UK, has announced a special category in its search to find Britain’s Best Small Shops of 2020.
Launched on Saturday 4th July, otherwise known as Independent’s Day in the retail sector, the annual competition will this year celebrate the lifting of lockdown and the return of retail to the high street. A new category sponsored by booost, the loyalty, gifting and promotions app, will recognise independent retailers who have gone above and beyond in their response to Covid-19.
“It is widely recognised just how challenging it has been for many independent retailers during the months of Covid-19 lockdown – those who have had to close their doors and those considered essential who were able to trade throughout. The pandemic has not only brought about challenges such as reduced income but also extensive complexities resulting in the evident need for re-invention,” explains Mark Walmsley, chair of the IRC. “We have witnessed and continue to see extraordinary examples of innovation and ingenuity in being able to adapt a business to continue trading in some form. This is unsurprising, given the agility of independent retailers and their commitment to their local communities. In this extraordinary year, it is something we are determined to recognise and celebrate.”
Entries for all award categories in this year’s Best Small Shops competition close on September 11th. For more information about the Best Small Shops competition, click here.
