An independent wine merchant in Whitehaven and an independent cycle shop in Penrith have been named on the shortlist of retailers in the running to be named Britain’s Best Small Shop of 2019.
Richardson’s Of Whitehaven offers a wide range of fine wines, rare vintage ports, hampers, gins and also roasts its own coffee beans in store.
The shop has been active in organising major maritime festivals, veterans parades, air shows, markets and photographic exhibitions, raising considerable sums of money for for charities through these events.
The shop is also the honorary Consulate office to the US Navy by a historical quirk.
Arragon’s Cycle Centre offers cycle hire, a Shimano Service Centre offering emergency repairs, and specialist wheel build. It is a family run business, established for over 40 years but now with a brand new shop – one of the North’s largest.
Now in its third generation of family ownership, it has a genuine desire to encourage and be approachable to anyone who wants to cycle, having developed customer trust with customers by only selling what’s right for them.
The Best Small Shops competition is managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC). The competition celebrates the commitment and creativity of independent retailers on the UK’s High Streets and the central role they play in their local communities. It is sponsored by Near St, the retail technology company connecting products in shops to people searching nearby, and booost, a soon to be launched loyalty, gift and promotions app for independent retailers and their customers. The winner will be announced at an event at the Houses of Parliament on November 5th.
“Independent retailers are the lifeblood of UK high streets,” explains Mark Walmsley, Chairman of the Independent Retailers Confederation. They offer tradition, choice and innovation through the diversity of niche products and services. Independent retailers have been, and still are, an integral part of local communities all around the UK.”
“The Best Small Shops competition enables us to celebrate this unique industry. It is all about recognising the community and culture that is independent retail, giving us the chance to highlight its innovation, customer service, commitment to community and diversity.”
