Pictured in Coleraine are (L–R): Dave Mackay, National Lottery operator Allwyn; Aidan McGinn, SSE Airtricity; Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Oliver McMullan; Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts; Alderman Yvonne Boyle; Annette Deighan, Causeway Chamber of Commerce; Gillian Anderson, Coleraine Business Improvement District and Ciaran Lynch, Gig Grafter.
Retail NI has announced the finalists for this year’s High Street Heroes Awards, with Causeway Coast and Glens featuring in a fantastic five categories, including High Street of the Year.
Shoppers from across Northern Ireland have once again shown strong support by voting for their favourite independent retailers and local high streets in this year’s campaign. Amongst the top honours, Dromore, Lisburn and Coleraine have been shortlisted for High Street of the Year, with several new businesses reaching the final shortlist for the very first time.
Businesses from Causeway Coast and Glens have been shortlisted for in the categories for ‘Best’ Fashion Retailer, Generalist Retailer, Healthcare Retailer, Homeware Retailer and High Street of the Year.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, who helped launch the voting earlier this year said: “I am absolutely delighted that five of our local independent businesses have been shortlisted in this year’s High Street Heroes Awards, along with Coleraine amongst the finalists for High Street of the Year!
“With businesses from Ballymoney, Coleraine, Ballycastle and Portrush all in the running it’s rewarding for me to see a wide range of locations in our Council area represented. This really is testament to the fantastic high streets we have here in Causeway Coast and Glens and of course the world class welcome we offer residents and visitors.
Organised by Retail NI in partnership with National Lottery operator Allwyn, SSE Airtricity and Gig Grafter, 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 support. There are no judging panels. Local people vote for their favourites across thirteen categories, covering everything from food and drink to fashion and essential services.
Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI, said:
“These awards are truly powered by the public, which makes them incredibly special. Local people have once again rallied behind their high streets and independent retailers. Congratulations to all those who have made the shortlist. These businesses do so much to support local communities and keep our high streets vibrant, welcoming places to shop and socialise.”
Retail NI is encouraging all shortlisted businesses to celebrate their achievement and continue championing their role in the future of the high street.
This year’s winners set to be revealed at a celebration event on Thursday 21 August at the Game of Thrones Studio in Banbridge.
The Mayor added: “I wish all our businesses the very best of luck in the ceremony later this month and thank you to Retail NI for organising these fantastic awards.”
Full List of Finalists
Best Butcher
Greens of Lisburn
Quails, Dromore
T Knox & Sons, Portadown
Best Coffee Shop
Calm Coffee Shop, Dromore
Expressooo!, Lisburn
Morellis Oaklands Park, Carrickfergus
Best Convenience Store
Greenes, MyDaily, Lurgan
Sydney’s Nearby, Annalong
Vivo Oaklands Park, Carrickfergus
Best Deli/Bakery
T Knox & Sons, Portadown
The Bread Box Bakery, Dromore
Vivo Oaklands, Carrickfergus
Best Fashion Retailer
Melanie Bond Boutique, Dromore
Street Life, Newtownards
The Winsome Lady, Ballymoney
Best Forecourt
Creightons of Balmoral, Belfast
EUROSPAR Hardford Link, Newtownards
EUROSPAR Moundview, Dromore
Best Generalist Retailer
Bridge Book Shop, Dromore
McLister’s, Ballycastle
MS Mobiles, Ballymoney
The Joke & Toy Shop, Newcastle
Independent Retail Employee of the Year
Claire Holmes, Expressoo!
Kerry Ferguson, Rosies Emporium
Richard Kyle, Greens of Lisburn
Best Healthcare Retailer
Gordons Chemist, Newtownards
Johnstons Chemist, Dromore
The Real Health Store, Coleraine
Best Homeware Retailer
Jacksons of Saintfield
Rosies Emporium, Lisburn
Stewart & Gibson, Ballynahinch
The White House, Portrush
Best Off Licence
Bin 34, Castlewellan
Magees Wine Lodge, Crossgar
Mulhollands on the Square, Dromore
High Street of the Year
Coleraine
Dromore
Lisburn