The people of Derry have an exciting opportunity to highlight their remarkable independent retailers at this year’s High Street Heroes Awards. With an outstanding array of businesses on our vibrant high streets, voters will have plenty of excellent choices. The Chamber is proud to count many of Derry’s top-notch independent retailers among its members. Notably, CityMan Menswear, a member of the Chamber, won a bronze award for Fashion Retailer of the Year at last year’s awards.

On Tuesday, Chamber President Anna Doherty attended a photocall at Guildhall Square to promote the Awards. She urged our members to engage with their customers and show why they deserve to be crowned High Street Hero in their category. This initiative is a unique and fantastic opportunity to showcase our diverse offerings and the outstanding independent retailers in our community.

Speaking about this year’s High Street Heroes in Derry, Glyn Roberts, Retail NI Chief Executive, said:

“Independent retail is the lifeblood of communities right across Northern Ireland and our annual High Street Heroes NI campaign represents the biggest celebration of our thriving local retail sector. Our awards are different – they are a public vote, with no judges and it is local consumers deciding who wins.

“This is a massive celebration of the individual businesses who are the beating heart of towns and cities like Derry-Londonderry, and this is your opportunity to make sure your favourite local business is included.”

Votes can be cast across 13 different categories:

  • Best Butcher
  • Best Coffee Shop
  • Best Convenience Store
  • Best Deli/Bakery
  • Best Fashion Retailer
  • Best Forecourt
  • Best Generalist Retailer
  • Best Healthcare Retailer
  • High Street of the Year
  • Best Homeware Retailer
  • Best Off Licence
  • Best independent retailer employee
  • Overall Independent Retailer

Last year, Derry retailers were not featured in the Overall Independent Retailer category. Achieving greater representation from Derry and the North West at this year’s awards would be a fantastic accomplishment. This is the year to get out and encourage your customers to vote for your business!

Voting for this year’s Awards is now open but will close next week, so there’s only a short time left to make your vote count. Vote here https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/2024highstreetheroawards-voting-now-open-29450189