Celebrating the local businesses that keep our high streets thriving

 

Retail NI has today announced the shortlist of finalists for this year’s High Street Hero Awards, with the winners set to be revealed at a celebration event on Thursday 21 August at the Game of Thrones Studio in Banbridge.

 

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.

 

Among the top honours, Dromore, Lisburn and Coleraine have been shortlisted for High Street of the Year, with several new businesses reaching the final for the very first time.

 

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.

 

Shortlist 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