Ballymoney Crowned High Street of the Year For Second Year Running
Thu, August 22, 2024
Ballymoney has been named High Street of the Year for a second year in the High Street Hero Northern Ireland Awards, with the town’s fashion store The Winsome Lady also winning the Overall Independent Retailer Award for 2024.
A record 15,000 votes were cast in this year’s High Street Heroes, with dozens of independent retailers shortlisted across 12 Award categories in the showcase of Northern Ireland’s favourite independent retailers.
Ballymoney’s high street beat stiff competition from fellow finalists Ballynahinch and Newtownards to claim the top title for a second year running. The Co Antrim town’s Main Street area was rated most popular for its unique shopping offering, including The Winsome Lady.
Owned by local businesswoman Winnie Mellett and in business for over 40 years, it was named Best Fashion Retailer and picked up the top accolade overall after receiving the most votes out of any category.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan said; “We are delighted that both Ballymoney and Coleraine have been recognised in this year’s High Street Hero Awards.
“For Ballymoney to take high street of the year for the second-year running is testament to the fantastic offer the independent shops in the town provide for their customers and also highlights their hard work. Congratulations to the teams from Ballymoney Winsome Lady who took 2 awards on the night, Sweetness & Light Cakery, W & J Walker, and from Coleraine - The Real Health Store.
“We are very proud of our high streets throughout the Borough and of course the High Street Hero winners. I would like to thank everyone who makes our town centres a wonderful place to shop local.”
Winsome Lady, the much-loved fashion retailer has operated in Ballymoney for over 40 years with Winnie Mellett at the helm, and Councillor Lee Kane who also attended the awards added: “I am beyond delighted that Ballymoney has, once again, been named High Street of the Year, at the Retail NI High Street Heroes award. This is an incredible achievement for the town, and is a testament to the amazing local, independent retailers and businesses that make our wee market town so great.
“Congratulations to all our awarding winning business: Bronze Medal winner Apperley Fine Foods, Gold Medal winners W&J Walker and Sweetness and Light Cakery, and double Gold Medal winner The Winsome Lady. You should all be incredibly proud of your achievements.
“I was thrilled to be at the award ceremony, to celebrate the amazing successes of our local traders. Ballymoney has something for everyone. It’s a great wee shopping town, with such great shops, cafes and restaurants. But, it is its character and heart that makes Ballymoney so special.”
A special reception was held in Belfast City Hall this week to celebrate all the winners from across Northern Ireland, including joint gold winners, Vivo Oakland Park in Carrickfergus and Windmill Stores Ballymacash in Lisburn (Best Convenience Store), and a previous overall winner Bradley's Centra in Maghera (Best Forecourt & Best Off Licence). Richard Kyle from Greens of Lisburn was also recognised as the Independent Retail Employee of the Year.
Finalists were welcomed this evening by Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, who also spoke at the ceremony. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said: “Congratulations to all of the 2024 High Street Hero winners – it’s clear to see just how valued you are in your communities. And of course, a special mention goes to Ballymoney, for clinching the High Street of the Year Award for the second year in a row – that’s no mean feat!”
Causeway Coast and Glens Town & Village Management team added: “Congratulations to the businesses in Ballymoney for their fantastic success across all the sectors at last night’s High Street Hero Awards in Belfast. To be awarded winners in 5 categories is testament to the unique business spirit and customer loyalty that thrives in Ballymoney. Congratulations also to The Real Health Store, Coleraine on winning Best Healthcare Retailer.”
The High Street Hero NI Awards are a joint initiative powered by Retail NI and supported National Lottery operator Allwyn, SSE Airtricity, Roam Local NI and media partner Belfast Live.
Retail NI Chief Executive, Glyn Roberts said: “The High Street Heroes Awards celebrate the best and brightest retailers that Northern Ireland has to offer, and this campaign has shown just how valued each one of these independent retailers are in their local communities, especially in Ballymoney where once again voters turned out to see their high street crowned.”
