Finalists confirmed for Northern Ireland’s High Street Heroes awards 2023
Record-breaking online poll yields 33 local businesses on the coveted shortlist which includes High Street of the Year nominees.
Newtownards heads the shortlist with eight shops shortlisted for this years Retail NI High Street Hero Awards and Newtownards has been also shortlisted for High Street of the Year
And businesses in Bangor, Newtownards, Comber, Lisburn and Castlewellan have rallied to the contest and are in the shortlist. (see details below.)
Ballymoney, Newtownards and Shankill Road in Belfast have all been nominated for Northern Ireland’s coveted High Street of the Year award for 2023 after a record of online entries put the three thriving locations top of the pile among the best in the region.
More than 12,000 entries were cast in this year’s competition to determine which independent retailers, stores, coffee shops, bakeries and butchers are deemed ‘best in Northern Ireland’ in the eyes of those who know best – the public.
Joint winner with Coleraine in 2022, Newtownards has made it through to the final for a second year in a row for High Street of the Year, while Ballymoney – which was also shortlisted in 2022 – is also back again vying for the top award.
Powered by Retail NI, this year’s High Street Heroes Awards initiative is the biggest ever showcase of world-class local independent retailers which officially recognises the major economic, social and community contribution they make to localities, high streets and local suppliers.
“This year’s online vote confirmed what we know already.
“That is the public in Northern Ireland are passionate about their High Streets and they want their favourite businesses and localities to win,” Glyn Roberts, Retail NI Chief Executive, said.
“Our biggest online poll ever now paves the way for our biggest event yet at a ceremony on August 23.
“We will confirm then which High Street location achieved the most votes and which businesses from the 33 shortlisted across the region made it to the top in 11 specialist categories.
“The public have the power and they vote with their feet – and we can’t wait to reveal the winners in just a few weeks’ time.”
The High Street Heroes NI initiative is also proudly supported by Camelot, Roam and Strategic Power Connect.
The online poll kicked off on July 4 and closed on 31 July, confirming the fate of hundreds of businesses and locations nominated for this year’s awards.
Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on August 23 at the historic Belfast Harbour Commissioners’ Heritage Room.
Retail NI, which represents the independent retail and wholesale sector in Northern Ireland, launched the High Street Heroes NI campaign to recognise and reward local retailers and their impact on local communities.
70p in every £1 spent with a local independent retailer is ploughed back into the local economy, supporting local producers, suppliers and staff.
High Street Heroes NI shortlist for 2023:
High Street of the Year (sponsored by Fibrus)
Ballymoney
Newtownards
Shankill Road, Belfast
Overall Independent Retailer (sponsored by Camelot)
Bradley’s Centra, Maghera
Couples, Coleraine
The Winsome Lady, Ballymoney
Best Convenience Store (sponsored by Bobby’s Foods)
Bradley’s Centra, Maghera
Doherty’s Vivo, Derry~Londonderry
Eurospar, Lisnaskea
Best Coffee Shop (sponsored by Berties Bakery)
Chat & Chill Café, Lisburn
Maxemoo, Millisle
Sugarcane, Comber
Best Healthcare Retailer (sponsored by eir evo)
Brogan Eye & Ears, Lisburn
Harkin’s Pharmacy, Maghera
Real Health, Coleraine
Best Fashion Retailer (sponsored by Danske Bank)
CityMan Menswear, Derry~Londonderry
Couples, Coleraine
The Winsome Lady, Ballymoney
Best Butcher (sponsored by Harbinson Mulholland)
David Mawhinney & Sons, Bangor
Greens of Lisburn
The Butchers, Monkstown
Best Deli/Bakery (sponsored by Aryzta)
Bradley’s Centra, Maghera
Brownie on the Hill, Dundonald
The Butcher, Monkstown
Best Homeware Retailer (sponsored by Bank of Ireland)
Armour Flooring, Bangor
W&J Walker, Ballymoney
Wardens, Newtownards
Best Forecourt (sponsored by Pivotal)
Bradley’s Centra, Maghera
Eurospar Lisnaskea
Spar, Glenarm Road, Larne
Best Off Licence (sponsored by United Wines)
Bradley’s Centra, Maghera
Eurospar Lisnaskea
McBrides on the Square, Comber
Best Generalist Retailer (sponsored by AIB)
Brew & Yaki, Newtownards
Finishing Touches Too, Limavady
NCG, Newtownards
Best Green Retailer (sponsored by Strategic Power)
NISA Fresh Food Centre, Castlewellan
McRobbies Retail, Newtownards
77 Retail, Belfast
