Wholesalers, long-serving retailers and star-performing products will all be recognised at the new-look Top Shop Awards, to be held at the Marriott Grosvenor Square, London, on March 15.
Judging for the main store awards has reached its final stages, but nominations are still open for two of the special awards - the Wholesale Business Initiative and Lifetime Achievement Award categories.
If your wholesaler has boosted your business in the past year - through investment in a new range or service, a strong and innovative promotional schedule, or by staging face-to-face events - we would like to hear from you, as your wholesaler could be in with a chance of winning the award.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises retailers who have shown a commitment to independent retailing through both long service and a willingness to help others. Previous winners include Spar stalwart Stan Moore and Budgens retailer Alec Gardner. If you would like to nominate yourself or a fellow retailer for this award, please get in touch using the contact details below.
Evaluation is also under way for a third special award - Product of the Year - which will recognise the product that has had the greatest positive impact on the c-store industry in the past year. A shortlist of products was drawn up with the help of a panel of retailers, and 200 randomly selected readers have been telephone polled to vote for their favourite. The award will be presented to a representative of the winning manufacturer at the awards ceremony.
l If you would like to nominate a wholesaler for a business initiative that has paid off for you, or if you know a retailer who is worthy of recognition for a Lifetime Achievement Award, phone C-Store editor David Rees on 01293 610218, or email david.rees@william-reed.co.uk. If you leave a message, please make sure you include your contact details.