Save The High Street (SaveTheHighStreet.org) and The Creative Retail Awards have partnered to promote the importance of design and display in independent retail, with Save The High Street sponsoring the Best Independent Store category.
John Abbate, the retail design and visual merchandising expert on Save The High Street Advisory Board, believes effective design and display can provide a competitive advantage to independent retailers.
“Independents are the heartbeat of our high streets,” says John. “They offer the local community and beyond a unique and personal shopping or service experience. Their ability to provide a more ‘personal touch’, together with the individual look and feel of their physical space, adds character and diversity to our high streets. The freedom of the independent to express their personality in creative ways provides an advantage over national chains, which can often lack variety and feel impersonal.”
Adds John: “Many large brands often try to emulate the spirit of an independent shop, but no one can do it as authentically as the real thing. And that’s what we need more of in the retail design and display world, the real thing. To be inspired, creative and quirky – making retail fun. To offer a personal experience and become a ‘destination’ – even on a small budget – SaveTheHighStreet.org is proud to be associated with this Award.”
Antony Behiels, director of SDEA and co-organiser of the Creative Retail Awards, comments: “With ever more competition to attract consumers to the high street, effective VM, design and display is imperative. When it is done correctly it will engage and attract more customers, help increase sales and give customers a reason to return in the future. This is especially important for independent stores who often lack the budget for large scale marketing campaigns.”
The Save The High Street team will provide the winner of the Best Independent Store Award with access to their business support platform JO, and an exclusive mentoring session with one of their high street experts.
The annual Creative Retail Awards recognise and reward innovation and excellence in retail, leisure, and hospitality design, display and experience. The Awards span a number of disciplines including store design, surfaces, omni-channel, technology, sustainability and lighting.
The Awards take place on 22 September at Proud Embankment in London’s West End.
Visit www.creativeretailawards.com
SDEA is the UK’s leading industry body, it provides excellent support for members and retailers alike and has over 75 years’ experience within the industry. SDEA is here to help and provides many services to the retailer including the SDEA retail display directory, website and InfoLine helpline. SDEA offers companies within the industry an excellent package of sales leads, discounts, endorsements and assistance.
