Nominate your favourite shop or cafe for this year’s Sheffield City Centre Retail Awards

Covid may be re-writing the rules of retail, and accelerating the challenges faced by the high street, but that’s why it’s more important than ever that we come together, and recognise our incredible local retailers.

This week, The Star launched its Sheffield City Centre Retail Awards 2020, in partnership with Sheffield Bid, and Heart of the City II.

Last year saw the awards run for the first time in Sheffield, celebrating shops big and small - from popular chains, to independent businesses - and the people who keep them running efficiently.

This year, many of those same shops and cafes have been brought to their knees by this pandemic, and they need our support if they’re going to survive – so let’s rally, Sheffield.

The six award categories, voted for by the public and our experienced judging panel, cover successes in sales, customer service and celebrate individual and teamwork contribution

Independent retailer of the year

This award focuses on independent retailers that are making a big noise in the retail world.

An Independent Business is defined as any business that has four or fewer stores nationwide or internationally, one of which must be based in Sheffield city centre

Small/Large retailer of the year

The ‘Small Retailer of the Year’ category is open to organisations with 15 or less staff, or less than 10,000 sq ft.

The ‘Large Retailer of the Year’ category is open to organisations with over 15 members of staff, or more than 10,000 sq ft.

In both categories, judges will be interested in the ethos and background to the business, its profitability and the unique selling points, which make it a success, as well as what difference it has made in its sector since it started trading, and how it has overcome any challenges it has encountered.

They will also be looking at future projections and plans for the company.

Customer service

This award category is therefore looking for examples of outstanding customer experience that are being delivered by a retailer.

We will be looking to reward a company, or member of staff or team, that goes above and beyond the call of duty for their customers encouraging shoppers to return.

The judges will be looking for clear evidence of customer service excellence, which may include customer reviews, awards or recognition by other organisations, or testimonials from colleagues.

The shortlist will receive a mystery shop visit!

Outstanding contribution

The judges are looking for an individual who has had a major impact on their retail business, and the area over a number of years.

If there is someone we should consider for this award, please provide a name and a brief overview of their achievements for them to be a contender.

Sustainable retailer of the year

This category is open to those retailers who can demonstrate their full commitment to driving change by improving the sustainability of their operations.

Winning entries will demonstrate a positive impact across the environment, marketplace, workplace and community.

Closing dates for nominations is midnight on Sunday November 8, and nominations are open to business owners, staff members and customers.

Visit HERE for details, and to nominate.