The finalists in the prestigious Retail categories for the Progressive Preschool Awards 2021 have this morning (7 October) been confirmed.
The finalists reflect the cross-category focus of the Progressive Preschool Awards, spanning a broad selection of retailers which have made their mark within the preschool aged industry over the past year.
Retailers have been nominated from all over the UK in the months leading up to the judging, and consisted of both self-nomination plus record levels of nominations from suppliers, reps and agents.
“With many retailers of preschool product having to close for long periods of time over the past 12 months and the ongoing issues with increased freight costs and delayed deliveries, the industry really has had a tough time – however the resilience these retailers have shown has been nothing short of extraordinary,” commented Jo Pilcher, publication and event manager at Progressive Preschool. “We are so pleased to be able to announce the shortlist for the Progressive Preschool Awards 2021 retail categories.
“We had a record number of nominations this year, with each and every one of them being creative during the numerous lockdowns and going above and beyond to service their customers. We cannot wait to celebrate with the industry on 11 November and find out the worthy winners in each of the categories.”
Jeremy Minchin, md of Hippychick – which sponsors the Best Independent Gift Retailer category – added: “Gift retailers are the bridge between nursery and toy and are a hugely important part of Hippychick’s business.
“We are thrilled to sponsor this category and especially to support the wonderful array of independent shops out there, all unique and individual in wonderful and diverse ways. Independents were one of the hardest hit sectors during the pandemic and we want to wish all finalists the best of luck and really hope the run up to Christmas 2021 is a good one!”
The Retail finalists in the Progressive Preschool Awards 2021 are:
Best Supermarket Retailer of Preschool Products
- Aldi
- Asda
- Lidl
- Morrisons
- Sainsbury’s
- Tesco
Best Multiple Retailer of Preschool Products
- Hamleys
- JoJo Maman Bébé
- Mamas & Papas
- Smyths Toys
- The Entertainer
- Toy Barnhaus
Best Mixed Category Retailer of Preschool Products
- Argos
- B&M
- Boots
- Dobbies
- Home Bargains
- Matalan
Best Department Store Retailer of Preschool Products
- Bentalls, Kingston
- Elys
- Fenwick, Newcastle
- Harrods
- Jarrold
- John Lewis
Best Online Retailer of Preschool Products
- Amazon.co.uk
- Argos.co.uk
- Character.com
- Kiddies-kingdom.com
- Kidly.co.uk
- Studio.co.uk
- Thetoyshop.com
- Very.co.uk
Best Independent Nursery Retailer
- A3 Baby Barn, Chessington
- Babylicious, Hoylake
- Bump Start Baby, Milton Keynes
- Huggle, London
- Natural Baby Shower, Bagshot
- Winstanleys/Pramworld, Wigan
Best Independent Apparel Retailer
- Little Chic, Ross-On-Wye
- Little Goat Gruff, St Ives
- Little Yu Boutique, Manchester
- Odd Socks, Beccles
- The Leveret, Amersham
- The Pud Store, Doncaster, Mansfield & Newark
Best Independent Toy Retailer
- Argosy Toys, Westcliffe-On-Sea
- Armadillo Toys, Leeds
- Giddy Goat Toys, Manchester
- Kids Stuff Wells, Wells
- Midco Toys, Burton On Trent
- The Toy Shop Cockermouth, Cockermouth
Best Independent Gift Retailer
- Harmony At Home Children’s Boutique, Haywards Heath
- Ottie and the Bea, London
- Piccola, Brentwood
- Sea Whistle, Hastings
- Small Stuff, Sheffield
- Tickityboo, Chipping Norton
The finalists in the prestigious Product categories have also been revealed – simply click on this link to check them out.
In addition, the finalists for the Marketing award can be viewed by clicking here.
The Progressive Preschool Awards 2021 will be taking place on Thursday 11 November at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.
Tickets and tables for the event can be reserved easily and securely online by visiting Max-Tickets.net or by contacting Clare Hollick at Create Events: clare@createvents.co.uk or +44 (0)1183 340085.
Sponsors of the 2021 event include: Acamar Films, Amscan International, Aykroyd & Sons, Azaria PR, BBC Studios, British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA), Centum Books, Harrogate International Nursery Fair, Hippychick, The Insights Family, LicensingSource.net, London Toy Fair, Media Snug, Misirli, Nursery Online, Poetic Brands, Rainbow Designs, Redan Publishing, RH Smith & Sons (Smiffys), Toymaster, ViacomCBS, Vista PR, Walker Books.
