The finalists for the major retail categories in this year’s Progressive Preschool Awards have been announced, revealing the stores which have excelled within the preschool sector over the last 12 months.
The finalists have been chosen by a carefully selected retail validation panel, made up of a number of top-level executives from across the entire preschool spectrum.
The finalists list reflects the cross-category nature of the Preschool Awards, highlighting retailers who have made a real impact on the preschool industry over the past year, with a focus on toy, nursery, apparel, gift and other product aimed at the 0 – 5 age bracket.
“This year’s retail validation panel was a particularly interesting one to oversee,” said publishing director Rob Willis, who chaired the panel. “There’s so much change taking place at the moment and retailers are working particularly hard to make sure they stay relevant in the marketplace. It’s not been an easy 12 months for much of the retail industry which makes it even more rewarding to be able to recognise those who have gone the extra mile.”
The winners will be revealed at the Progressive Preschool Awards ceremony on Tuesday 5 November, 2019 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Mayfair. Tickets and tables can be organised via the online box office.
The Progressive Preschool Awards 2019 – Major Retail Finalists
Best Supermarket Retailer of Preschool Products
- Aldi
- Asda
- Lidl
- Morrisons
- Sainsbury’s
- Tesco
Best Multiple Retailer of Preschool Products
- Hamleys
- JoJo Maman Bebe
- Mothercare
- Smyths Toys
- Starlings Toymaster
- The Entertainer
Best Mixed Category Retailer of Preschool Products
- Argos
- B&M Stores
- Boots
- Matalan
- Next
- Primark
Best Department Store Retailer of Preschool Products
- Bentalls (part of the Fenwick group)
- Daniel’s of Windsor
- Debenhams
- Harrods
- John Lewis
- Selfridges
Best Online Retailer of Preschool Products
- Amazon.co.uk
- Argos.co.uk
- Character.com
- Jojomamanbebe.co.uk
- Kidly.co.uk
- Very.co.uk
Best Preschool Retail Initiative
- Lidl for its giveaway newborn baby box promotion
- Mothercare for its ‘First Steps’ campaign focusing on ‘moments’
- Mothercare for its weaning workshop in partnership with Tommee Tippee
- The Entertainer for its Balanced Play initiative with Fundamentally Children
- The Entertainer for its Big Create mental health awareness campaign with Young Minds
- The Entertainer for its Big Toy Rehoming initiative with The Salvation Army
Keep up to date with the PPS Awards on social media – find us on @Prog_Preschool, and the official event hashtag is #PPSA19.
Sponsors of this year’s event include: Alpha Animation & Toys, Amscan International, Aykroyd & Sons, Azaria PR, BBC Worldwide, Blues Clothing, BTHA / Toy Fair, Bump PR, Centum Books, Cooneen By Design, DHX Brands / Wildbrain, Diono, East Coast Nursery, Fundamentally Children / Good Toy Guide, Harrogate International Nursery Fair, Hippychick, LicensingSource.net, Misirli, Nickelodeon, PreschoolNews.net, Rainbow Designs, Redan Publishing, Sanrio Global (Mr. Men Little Miss), Skip Hop, Toymaster, Tomy, Vista PR, Walker Books.