THE winners have been declared in our People's Vote to find Northern Ireland's favourite independent retailers.
And this year's initiative - run by Retail NI and the Irish News with support from Camelot - saw a whopping 300 per cent increase in the number of votes cast by readers.
The shops you chose as your favourites across the various categories extend from Claudy in the north west to Crossmaglen in the south east, and from Belfast to Derry, Lisburn and Newtownards.
The Community Covid Champion, which recognises an independent retailer who has gone above and beyond during the current pandemic, went to O’Kane Meats in Claudy, established in 1988 by brothers Michael and Kieran O’Kane.
It is the latest in a long line of accolades for the family firm, which as founding members of the Elite Butchers Association of Northern Ireland prides itself to its commitment to customers and staff alike.
The overall High Street of the Year winner will be unveiled this morning at 10.30am via social media.
The Retail NI/Irish News campaign was founded to recognise and reward the smaller independent retailers who keep us fed and watered, suited and booted, entertained and connected, during a last difficult year.
Votes poured in over the four-week campaign, which even garnered cross-party support at Stormont, with first minister Arlene Foster and deputy first minister Michelle O'Neill among more than 60 MLAs to have given their backing to the awards.
Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said: "Northern Ireland well and truly voted 'Independent' this July with a record number of shoppers voting for their favourite independent retailers - a response which clearly shows the crucial role independent retailers play in our economy. They are without doubt the unsung heroes of the pandemic
“Our small towns have polled exceptionally well with six winners in Newtownards across the various categories and some good results for Claudy, Comber and Newry.
“With the Covid-19 crisis, consumers are staying local and value their local independent retailers, particularly convenience, butchers and fruit and veg shops. This is clearly reflected in the results of the vote”
“These businesses played an invaluable public service at the height of the pandemic, ensuring many vulnerable members of our community and those without access to transport were able to purchase food and other vital products”
“In rural Northern Ireland and in many of its small towns and villages these retailers were an absolute lifeline and huge credit must go to their staff who put their own health at risk to ensure this vital community service remained at peak efficiency.”
He added: “70 pence in every £1 spent with a local independent retailer is recycled around the economy, helping local farmers, producers, manufacturers and, above all else, our local communities.
“As we now start along the long road of recovery, now more than ever we need consumers to make it their civic duty to support independent retailers to boost our high streets and the rebuilding of our local economy.”
Irish News marketing manager John Brolly said: “We are delighted to partner with both Retail NI and Camelot to support our independent retailers and local high streets.
“The fact that the voted more than tripled on last year clearly shows the public’s passion and support for independent retailers and the strong desire by everyone to have a healthy independent retail sector. Congratulations to all the winners.”
