Retail NI is encouraging the public to cast their vote for their favourite high street retailers and help identify who will be recognised with a coveted High Street Hero Award for 2023 in its annual celebration of the best of Northern Ireland’s independent retail sector.
A record 10,000 local votes were registered in last year’s competition which saw Newtownards and Coleraine named joint winners of the prestigious High Street of the Year award.
Newtownards retailer Wardens was also overall winner of Retailer of the Year, which helped to secure the busy County Down town as the official launch location for this year’s overall awards.
Online voting for all 13 categories officially opens on Independents’ Day on Tuesday 4 July when Northern Ireland shoppers are encouraged to support their High Street and the big impact independent retailers make to the local economy.
Launching the awards for 2023, Glyn Roberts, Retail NI Chief Executive, said: “Independent retail is the lifeblood of communities right across Northern Ireland and our annual High Street Heroes NI campaign represents the biggest celebration of our thriving local retail sector. This year, we’re preparing to mark our biggest ever showcase event and a massive celebration of the individual businesses who are the beating heart of our many towns and cities.
“The awards are open to local retailers right across Northern Ireland – Portaferry to Pomeroy, Newry to Newtownabbey and Strabane to Scarva and will identify those local independent retailers who are taking a lead. Whether it’s a local butcher that’s a cut above the rest or fashion retailer with exceptional style, it’s time to vote for your favourite now.”
A second new additional category – Best Generalist Retailer – means the public can vote for any retailer not covered by an existing category.
Winners are determined solely by public nominations which must be made online by 31 July 2023. For more information on how to cast your vote, visit www.RetailNI.com/High-Street-Heroes