There was great excitement across the preschool industry as Progressive Preschool magazine – the sister magazine to Progressive Gifts & Home – hosted its highly anticipated awards lunch at The Dorchester, London last week.
PJ and the Hare, Burgess Hill, won the Best Independent Giftware Retailer category, while the Janod wooden toys collection from Juratoys won the Best Preschool Gift Range.
“We are thrilled that once again the PPS awards were a fantastic annual celebration of everything that is great in the preschool sector – and there was a lot of greatness this year,” enthused publishing director Rob Willis.
He continued: “In a time where new connections and new product are vital, we are honoured to once again host an event that makes all of that possible, and our thanks go out to every entrant, sponsor and guest for making this year’s event particularly special.”
Other retail award winners included:
Best Supermarket Retailer of Preschool Products: Tesco
Best Multiple Retailer of Preschool Products: The Entertainer
Best Mixed Retailer of Preschool Products: Sainsbury’s Argos
Best Department Store Retailer of Preschool Products: John Lewis
Best Online Retailer of Preschool Products: Shop Direct: Very.co.uk,
Best Preschool Retailer Initiative: The Entertainer
Best Independent Nursery Retailer: Bumpstart Baby Shop, Milton Keynes
Best Independent Apparel Retailer: Little Roos, Cambridge
Best Independent Toy Retailer: Starlings Toymaster
Now in its sixth year, the lunchtime event, which has become a highlight in the preschool calendar, saw over 400 of preschool’s most influential retailers, suppliers, licensing contacts and industry pioneers coming together to raise a glass to the winners.
Top: The winners of the 2018 Progressive Preschool Awards.