Coleraine crowned ‘High Street of the Year’ at the 2025 High Street Heroes Awards

Retail NI, in partnership with National Lottery operator Allwyn, SSE Airtricity and Gig Grafter, is delighted to announce the winners of the High Street Heroes 2025 Awards.

The celebration event took place on Thursday 21st August at the Game of Thrones Studio, Banbridge, where finalists came together to honour this year’s champions of Northern Ireland’s independent retail sector.

Coleraine was named ‘High Street of the Year’, beating stiff competition from fellow finalists Dromore and Lisburn. The accolade is a great achievement for the town, having previously shared the title with Newtownards in 2022.

Local businesses from the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough shone on the night, with The Real Health Store, Coleraine named Best Healthcare Retailer for the second year running and MS Mobiles, Ballymoney winning Best Generalist Retailer.

Ballymoney’s much-loved The Winsome Lady, scooped the Best Fashion Reatiler award for the second year in a row. The store, owned by Winnie Mellet, has operated in Ballymoney for over 40 years. The Winsome Lady will be entered into the Hall of Fame in 2026, receiving their certificate at next year’s launch.

Other notable achievements were McLister’s, Ballycastle, who were awarded Bronze in the Best Generalist Retailer category, while The White House, Portrush picked up Bronze for Best Homeware Retailer.

In another great feat for the Borough, Ballymoney’s high street was entered into the Hall of Fame after winning the coveted title for two successive years in 2023 and 2024. Couples, Coleraine (Best Fashion Retailer 2022 & 2023) and W & J Walker, Ballymoney (Best Homeware Retailer 2023 & 2024) were also entered into the Hall of Fame.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan said: “I am delighted that businesses from towns across the Council area have been recognised in this year’s High Street Heroes Awards.

“For Coleraine to win ‘High Street of the Year’ for the second time is testament to the fantastic offer the independent shops in the town provide for their customers.

“I would like to commend the work of Council’s Town & Village team, Coleraine BID and Causeway Chamber of Commerce, in helping to secure such a remarkable accolade.

“Congratulations to all our awarding winning businesses: Gold winners The Winsome Lady, MS Mobiles and The Real Health Store, and Bronze winners McLister’s and The White House. You should all be incredibly proud of your achievements.

“I was thrilled to attend the awards ceremony, to celebrate the amazing successes of our local traders. Coleraine has something for everyone. It’s a vibrant shopping town, with a fantastic range of independent retail shops, cafes and restaurants.”

“We are extremely proud of our high streets across the Causeway Coast and Glens. I would like to thank everyone who makes our town centres a wonderful place to shop local.”

Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI, said: “These awards are truly powered by the public, which makes them incredibly special. Our 2025 winners represent the heart and soul of Northern Ireland’s high streets, businesses that demonstrate exceptional customer service, community spirit and entrepreneurial pride.

“Independent retail is the lifeblood of our towns and villages. These businesses employ people locally, support supply chains, and give communities character. Congratulations to every winner. Your success tells the story of resilience, innovation and local leadership.”

Andria Vidler, Chief Executive Officer at Allwyn, said: “Allwyn is proud to champion Northern Ireland’s High Street Heroes again this year. We understand the importance of high streets and their value at the heart of their communities.

“Allwyn works with 1,500 retail partners across Northern Ireland, the majority of which are independent stores. Selling National Lottery tickets not only creates footfall and associated sales, but it also generates millions in retail commission each year. Retailers across the UK help raise over £30 million a week for Good Causes, and since 1994, over £1.6 billion of National Lottery funding has supported 35,000 projects in Northern Ireland. We are looking forward to celebrating both the winners and nominees in this year's awards.”

Angeline Murphy, Branding and Advertising Manager at SSE Airtricity, said: “We at SSE Airtricity would like to extend our congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Retail NI High Street Heroes Awards. These awards are an important showcase of excellence across Northern Ireland, shining a spotlight on the success of local retailers who go above and beyond for their communities.

“SSE Airtricity supplies thousands of businesses right across the province, and as an established and trusted energy partner, we’re empowering our customers to switch to cleaner, greener energy supply and solutions - helping them make their businesses more sustainable and continue the road to net zero.

“Sustainability and community are at the core of what we do at SSE Airtricity. Supporting local businesses that reflect these values makes perfect sense, and we’re proud to be part of this inspiring initiative.”

Ciaran Lynch, Director at Gig Grafter, said: “We’re passionate about helping small businesses thrive, and High Street Heroes is the perfect platform to showcase the dedication, creativity and resilience that define Northern Ireland’s independent retailers.

“These awards shine a light on the people and businesses whose hard work not only drives their own success but also strengthens our local economies and communities. We’re thrilled to support this celebration and to champion the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps our high streets vibrant and full of character.”

The High Street Heroes campaign is a celebration of the businesses that sit at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland. Unlike traditional awards programmes, High Street Heroes is driven entirely by public votes. There are no judging panels, with local people choosing their favourites across thirteen categories and recognising the businesses that make their high streets truly special.

For more information on the awards visit: https://retailni.com/other-info/high-street-heroes/

2025 High Street Hero Winners are: