High Street Shop of 2020
With all of the challenges the high street faced in 2020, these are the retailers that went the extra mile to create an immersive customer experience, standing out as shining examples of the future of retail. With installations, experiences and customer service that go above and beyond, the nominees in this category are paving the way for present and future independents across the country. Doing things that only ‘small’ can, in a way that only ‘small’ can – with confidence, commitment and a smile on their face!
Sancho's
Showcasing the craftsmanship of Ethiopian weavers and fairtrade producers, Sancho’s celebrates diversity, sustainability and community in a notoriously challenging industry. Their high street shop has allowed them to become part of their local community, test ideas and connect with customers.
Acorn & Pip
Inspired by a gift she received for her first baby, Lucy started Acorn & Pip in 2015 as a market stall selling ethically produced toys. Evolving into a family-run, bricks and mortar shop in 2018, they brought back to life a 140 year old shop creating a space for the entire family to eat, play, shop, connect and have fun.
The Judges
Oliver Tress
Founder of Oliver Bonas
Oliver opened his first shop in 1993, and now has 80 stores nationwide, showcasing great design and innovative homewares and fashion.
Mark Constantine OBE
Co-founder of Lush
Founded in 1995, Lush has stood strong to its beliefs and pioneered a positive impact on the world since day one. It now has over 800 stores worldwide.
Finalists & Nominees
Below you will find all of the businesses nominated for High Street Shop of the Year including the finalists. Huge congratulations to all nominees for this fantastic achievement.
Glosters
Glosters pottery combines handmade ceramics alongside creations from U.K. makers. The shop is a display of beautiful combinations to enhance any customer’s home.
Meticulous Ink
A delightful letterpress and fine stationery shop, supplying niche paper goods and calligraphy equipment. Also offering a unique design and print service, all from their characterful store in Bath.
Prick
London’s first and only cactus and succulent boutique, providing high-quality, low-maintenance plants, perfect for modern life.
Alice in Scandiland
Scandinavian inspired contemporary and vintage homewares store, where independent makers, the local community and natural materials are celebrated.
Benjamin Pollocks
An independent toyshop in the heart of London that’s been around since 1880. Proud to combine good old-fashioned shopkeeping with a playful attitude to social media.
Berylune
A small, independent ‘Clicks and Mortar’ shop based in Leamington Spa. Their ‘Modern Day Provisions’ include gifts you won’t want to give away, homewares and stationery.
Bramble and Moss
Floral design, botanical inspiration and unique gifts. We love what we do and get a kick out of sharing that passion with our customers.
Colour Makes People Happy
Independent small batch paint maker, using local ingredients to create high quality house paint. Located just off Lewes High Street in East Sussex.
Doe Bakehouse
A donut shop bringing colour & life to a fast-paced town. Think: Rainbows, girl power, flamboyance & sugar!
Golden Hare Books
An indie bookshop in the scenic neighbourhood of Stockbridge, Edinburgh, stocking a large selection of highly curated books, branded merchandise and bookish gifts.
Harvest Skincare
Harvest Stands For: Honest. Alchemy. Restoring. Values. Ethically. Simply. Together. All products are made by the team in their shop – a place of calm for their community.
HOUSE by Betty
A lifestyle store that focuses on products that are sustainable, useful and beautiful all at once. Plus creative workshops for the community, run by local artists.
Little Nell
Affordable jewellery and accessories to complement your personal style, season after season. Launched online in 2014 from their attic, they opened their store in 2018.
Pencil Me In
Stocking design led cards & stationery from British designers & the best stationery from around the world. Pencil Me In is also the home of #myshoplife Instagram challenge for indie shops.
Peonies from Pluto
Huddled in Crowborough’s high street, their shop is a pop of pink in the town, hosting kooky flowers, house plants, pots and an array of locally made goodies.
The Botanical Candle Co
This wonderful team make their own range of home fragrance delights which they retail, along with many other amazing small businesses, from their thriving shop in Dorset.
The Imaginarium
Located in York, this interiors wonderland is packed full of lovingly-curated, affordable luxuries for you and your home. Discover truly unique items that will brighten up your life.
V V Rouleaux
A leading ribbons and trimmings retailer in the UK, with additional specialities including bespoke hats, flowers and Christmas decorations.
With thanks to our small business supporters
