Inverurie and Kemnay retailers recognised for their efforts
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The Scottish Independent Retail Awards return to celebrate a full decade of rewarding the country’s best independent retailers that enhance the local community and economy including a local fabric shop in Inverurie and a craft and gift retailer in Kemnay.
The full list with finalists has now been compiled and some of the most respected professionals in Scotland are up for an award this year including several north-east companies.
Each year the awards aim to showcase those whose entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to customer satisfaction and ethos have helped them secure a place amongst the top and put them forward to get the recognition they deserve.
The finals ceremony which is held in Glasgow in April will highlight the efforts of those suppliers that firstly understand the customers’ expectations and secondly, focus on delivering good quality, making them the leading retailers in their field.
Amongst the local finalists this year is Butterfly Fabric based in Inverurie, whose owner Alison Wells said: "It's fantastic to be recognised for the work that we do and the service that we offer.
"It's also good to see so many locals making it to the final in their respective categories."
The finalist place for Kemnay's Geek Bothy marks another successful year for owner Emma Black and builds on its previous win at the awards last year where it was awarded Bespoke Retailer of the Year - North.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Independent Retail Awards 2020 said: “Undoubtedly, independent retailers are the very backbone of the Scottish economy as they make huge contributions to the country’s revenue by creating employment opportunities and enhancing the communities they operate within.
“The competition is really tough, but each finalist has their own success story to tell.
“We would like to wish all the finalists the best of luck.”
The finalists of the 10th Scottish Independent Retail Awards 2020 from the north-east include:
Fashion and accessories retailer of the year - Encore Dress and Vintage Agency (Fettercairn), Totally Fascinating (Portlethen)
Opticians of the year - Specsavers Opticians (Stonehaven).
Pharmacy of the year - Clark’s Pharmacy (Keith).
Specialist retailer of the year - Butterfly Fabrics (Inverurie), Miss Mollys Fabric Closet (Laurencekirk).
Butcher of the year - Andersons Butchers (Buckie).
Fresh produce provider of the year - Thorneybank Farm Shop (Turriff).
Bespoke retailer of the year north - Holly Mae’s & Crafts (Laurencekirk), Geek Bothy (Kemnay), The Portsoy Gift Box (Portsoy), Copper and Grey (Banchory), My Beautiful Caravan (Stonehaven), Roaring Stag Gifts (Ballater).
Bakery of the year - Ythan Bakery (Ellon), Home Bakery Macduff (Macduff).
Hair and beauty salon of the year - NorthRococo – Hair Design (Ellon), Castle Beauty (Ellon), Meraki Hair and Beauty (Macduff).
Coffee shop of the year north - Boogie Woogie (Keith), Annies Cakery (Macduff ).
Eatery of the year north - Cafe 83 (Inverurie), The Alford Bistro (Alford), The Bijou by the Sea (Buckie).
