It was top viewing for all those in the industry last night (September 30) as retailers, suppliers, reps, agents and suppliers witnessed seeing the best gift retailers in the UK crowned at The Greats 2020 gift retailer awards. While taking place this year online, the virtual event (organised by Progressive Gifts & Home and streamed via the GiftsandHome.net digital platform) did not take away from the importance of the awards.
As Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home so rightly pointed out in her opening speech: “If there was ever a year when retailers have really risen to the challenges, it has to be this one. The Greats 2020 celebrate the outstanding gift retailers who have shown true grit and determination in confronting the obstacles of the last year, pre, during and post lockdown, having really pulled out all the stops to deliver for their customers.”
As well as shining the spotlight on the very best retailers of gifts (many of whom also excel on the greeting card front), The Greats also feted the suppliers who have gone the extra mile on the service and marketing fronts.
“We will never forget the vital role suppliers have played in ensuring that retailers have been able to offer their customers a wonderful array of products, as well as a service that they have been able to rely on,” commented Sue.
The evening was compered by Alan Dedicoat, the ‘Voice of the Balls’ on the National Lottery and Strictly Come Dancing, and Radio 2’s chief network announcer.
The ceremony culminated with the prestigious Outstanding Achievement award, which was presented to Will Gatacre, founder and managing director of Jellycat, the quirky plush brand that is known and revered throughout the land.
In her citation, Jakki Brown, joint md of Max Publishing (which owns PG&H and PG) highlighted how “The last year, more than any other in recent history, has brought immense challenges to us all, both personally and in business. Tonight, with this special accolade, we shine the spotlight on an incredible person who, through the brand they co-founded over 20 years ago, has lifted the spirits of millions and generated significant revenue for their loyal retail stockists.” She paid tribute to “the constant stream of innovation, continuous investment in their product range and wholehearted support for their retail stockists and talented team mates,” as just a few of the worthy reasons for Will being presented with the award which he accepted in true gracious manner, sending out a message of thanks to his team and Jellycat’s retail customers.
Click below to hear Will’s acceptance message.
Holding The Greats 2020 awards event digitally might not have been the same as being there in person, however it was a rousing experience for the many who watched it ‘live’, feeling connected to friends, colleagues and peers in the community.
The Winners of The Greats 2020 Gift Retailer Awards are…
Retail Employee of the Year 2020
Ella Bradbury, shop manager, Forget Me Not, Stubbington
Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – London (inside M25)
The Indigo Tree, Crystal Palace and Streatham
Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – Home Counties, South and South East
All About Rose, Thame
Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – East Anglia
Buy The Light, Bury St Edmunds
Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – Midlands and Wales
The Celtic Company, Welshpool
Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – North and Northern Ireland
Kemps General Store, Malton
Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – South West
Cilla and Camilla, Beaminster, Bridport and Sherborne
Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – Scotland
Ewe & Me and Ewe Too, Grantown-on-Spey
Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – Best Newcomer South & Wales
Bill & Bert’s, Colchester
Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – Best Newcomer Midlands, North and Scotland
For The Love Of The North, Corbridge and Whitley Bay
Best Specialist Multiple Gift Retailer
Brocante, Fowey, Mevagissey, St Ives
Best Department Store Retailer of Gifts
Barkers and Barkers Home. Northallerton
Best Non-Specialist Retailer of Gifts
The Hollies, Little Budworth
Best Lifestyle Or Homewares Retailer Of Gifts
Dear Grace, Colchester
Best Gift Retailer Of Jewellery & Fashion Accessories
Jewel, St Andrews
Best Garden Centre Retailer of Gifts
Blue Diamond Group
Best Museum Or Visitor Attraction Gift Shop
RHS Garden Wisley Gift Shop, Wisley
Best In-Store Or Window Display
Cornucopia, Worcester
Best Retailer Initiative
Highworth Emporium, Highworth
For its Christmas campaign 2019
Best Supplier Marketing Award
Joma Jewellery
Best Service To The Independent Retailer
Bronze Award Winner 2020
Lesser & Pavey
Best Service to the Independent Retailer
Silver Award Winner 2020
Widdop And Co.
Best Service to the Independent Retailer
Gold Award Winner 2020
Joe Davies
Outstanding Achievement Award
Winner 2020
Will Gatacre, co-founder and managing director of Jellycat
The Greats Awards 2020 received wholehearted support from many leading names as sponsors. These include (in alphabetical order): Candlelight; Eco Chic; Gift Republic; GiftsandHome.net; The Giftware Association; Gisela Graham; Good Housekeeping; Harrogate Christmas & Gift; Joe Davies; Lesser & Pavey; Licensingsource.net; Little Dog Laughed; Method UK; Miffy; PG Buzz.net; Premier Decorations; Products of Change; Progressive Gifts & Home; Progressive Greetings Live; Spring Fair and Autumn Fair; Top Drawer Spring/Home & Gift, Harrogate and Wrendale Designs.
Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrYFgZFxUwQ to re-watch The Greats 2020 ceremony.
Top: Jellycat received the Outstanding Achievement Award in The Greats 2020.
