ANN Street in Ballycastle is Northern Ireland's best high street for independent retailers.
That's the official outcome of a ‘People’s Vote’, run by Retail NI and the Irish News in the run-up to Independents’ Day.
Given that local independent retailers are seen as the heartbeat of every city, town and village, we wanted the public to share their thoughts on what they believe to be the best convenience store, butcher, deli, men's and women's fashion, coffee shop and chemist.
And the public spoke in their thousands, underlining that it's independent retailers who add the true colour, choice, spirit and character to our towns and our lives.
As the votes piled in over the last few weeks, several shops and high streets from locations across the north jockeyed for the lead.
But when the votes were totted up, the High Street of the Year accolade went to Ann Street in Ballycastle.
Home to dozens of mainly family-run firms, several dating back to the start of the last century, there's a quaintness yet a vibrancy to Ann Street which epitomises everything good about a thriving town centre.
John McGill, president of Ballycastle Chamber of Commerce, and Julienne Elliott, from the town & village management team at Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, were on hand to collect the spoils on behalf of the bustling seaside town.
Mr McGill said: "Ballycastle has really blossomed in the last few years and Ann Street has become a really fun place to spend the day.
"It’s absolutely packed full of colourful boutiques, trendy coffee-shops, traditional bars and friendly locals.
"The street is known for its culinary excellence and everything is underpinned by a welcoming and helpful atmosphere from whichever shop you happen to step into."
He added: "It’s a fitting reward for the business owners that Ann Street has received yet more recognition as a destination for a great day-out."
Overall Retailer of the Year, having won its own category for fashion, is Suitor Brothers in Belfast, established in 1992 and which has gone on to become one of the best tailors on the island of Ireland.
It has styled a host of celebrities, creating suits for the likes of Van Morrison, Carl Frampton, Paddy Barnes, Jonathan Rea and Mark Allen to name but a few.
Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said: “We're absolutely thrilled at the huge numbers of shoppers who voted in the first ever ‘People's Vote’ for their favourite independent retailer and local high street.
“Congratulations to all those who won and in particular long standing Retail NI member Suitor Bros, winning the best independent retailer and to Ann Street in Ballycastle, winning the best high street.”
He added: “Independents’ Day is not just another shop local campaign - it is much more. Seventy pence in every pound spent with a local independent retailer is recycled around the local economy, supporting farmers, local producers and town centres.
“Our campaign is also highlighting the innovation and entrepreneurship of our independent retailers. In incredibly difficult times, independent retailers have not just survived, but thrived, ensuring that our town centres are not simply clone towns.
"Retail NI is extremely proud of our hard-working members who are playing a central role in creating new, exciting town centres, which cater to the 21st century shopper.
“We would to like thank both the Irish News and Exterion media for their amazing support for this years Independents’ Day. It was a hugely productive partnership and we would look forward to working with them on next year's campaign.”
Irish News marketing manager John Brolly said: “As a local newspaper we were delighted to be partner with Retail NI to promote and celebrate independent local retailers who contribute so much to our local economy and local communities
"It's vital we support our local retailers. Congratulations to our winning local retailers but also to all the local traders who make our high streets special."
Here is a list of the winners in each category:
:: Convenience: Mulkerns Eurospar, Newry
:: Chemist: Framar Health Products, Belfast
:: Men's Fashion: Suitor Brothers, Belfast
:: Women's Fashion: La Moda, Strabane
:: Butcher: Coffeys, Belfast
:: Deli: Arcadia Delicatessen, Belfast
:: Coffee Shop: Infuse Artisan Tea, Coleraine
:: Retailer of the Year: Suitor Brothers, Belfast
:: High Street of the Year: Ann Street, Ballycastle
