Member Article

Specsavers named as Chesterfield’s Retailer of the Year

Specsavers has been named as Chesterfield’s favourite store. The Burlington Street branch of the national opticians’ chain was crowned Retailer of the Year at the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards on Wednesday 13 June.

Commenting on the award win, Gareth Webster, Retail Director at Specsavers said: “Winning Retailer of the Year is a proud moment for us all. Word of mouth recommendation is the bedrock of our business and this award embodies that. It means the world to us.

“Even though we’re a chain, each store is invidually owned and we try to personalise our store and service. We pride ourselves on treating customers like our family and this award recognises the personal care and attention we give to them all.”

In addition to scooping the top award, Specsavers was also named as National/Multiple Retailer of the Year at the annual awards.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the award ceremony recognises the very best shops, stores and market stalls in and around Chesterfield. The winners are all nominated by shoppers with the eventual winners being chosen by an independent panel of judges.

The Retailer of the Year title was just one of 15 awards presented to 11 businesses at the fifth annual Retail Awards ceremony, which was hosted by Peak FM’s breakfast show presenters Ricky and Becky.

Other businesses to celebrate multiple award wins at the fifth annual Chesterfield Retail Awards included Adorn Jewellers. The independent jewellers, which is based in The Shambles, scooped three titles on the night, including the Independent Retailer of the Year award. The company has recently opened a second store in Bakewell, however remains firmly committed to Chesterfield where it has been based since 2010.

Owner of Adorn Jewellers, Laura Jo Owen said: “We are thrilled with our hat trick of wins and so proud to be part of the awards. Chesterfield has an amazing retail scene and is a hotbed of independent retailers which we’re privileged to be part of. Since the business opened in 2010 we have been incredibly supported by both the retail community and our wonderful customers.”

As well as established businesses, the Retail Awards also recognised the town’s newest retailers. Ladies clothing boutique Dotique, based on Chatsworth Road, scooped the title of Best Newcomer. The store opened its doors in November last year after taking over and transforming the Johnson’s Hardware Store.

Owner of Dotique, Dorothy Robinson said: “I am completely overwhelmed, shocked and grateful to win the award. A year ago I was teaching in a school in Alderley Edge, and now I have had the chance to renovate one of the most fabulous buildings in Chesterfield, open this fantastic shop and be surrounded by the most amazing customers.”

And it wasn’t just businesses recognised for their contribution to Chesterfield’s retail sector; apprentices were too.

Apprentice beauty therapist Chloe Hall (17) from Duckmanton, who works at The Therapy Lounge in Hasland was named the Retail Apprentice of the Year.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “The 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards has been our best yet and were, once again, an excellent opportunity for us to celebrate the town’s retail sector. All of Chesterfield’s retail businesses, and the people working within them, play an important part in contributing to the local economy.

“I was particularly pleased to see new businesses, like Dotique, picking up awards and also to see Chloe Hall from the Therapy Lounge receive the Apprentice of the Year award, which shows how the Apprentice Town initiative to deliver more apprenticeships in Chesterfield is succeeding.”

In addition to Specsavers, Adorn Jewellers and Dotique, the winning businesses in the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards included:

Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Specsavers

Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by The Pavements Shopping Centre Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

Best New Store Dotique

National/Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the University of Derby Specsavers

Market Hall Business of the Year DHC Countrywear

Tom Towndrow, Manager of DHC Countrywear, said: “This is our first time at the Retail Awards so we are delighted to win. We have a lot of customers from Chesterfield and Derbyshire who appreciate the quality of our clothing and footwear.”

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year Northern Tea Merchants

James Pogson, Director of Northern Tea Merchants said: “It feels absolutely amazing to win the award for the second year running. We have a great, local, friendly community in Chesterfield that goes out of its way to support you and this award is proof of that.”

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by In the Works PR Blanc and Blanc Occasions

Ann-Marie White, Owner of Blanc commented:“We’ve won a retail Award award three times and it’s still an amazing feeling. We have further plans to develop Blanc so watch this space!”

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year The Therapy Lounge

Carly Smith, Owner of The Therapy Lounge said: “We’re really proud of the team and all that they have achieved to enable us to win this award.”

Jewellery & Accessories Retailer of the Year Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year H&F

Louise Peel, Director of H&F, commented: “To win the Home and Gifts Retailer of the year award means so much to my husband, myself and the rest of the team. Everyone has worked so hard throughout the year pushing the business forward. We’re thinking of new ideas all the time and we’re looking forward to moving into handmade kitchens.”

Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor) – Sponsored by Peak FM Geeks Headquarters Ltd.

Alberton Naso, Owner of Geeks Headquarters, said: “It feels fantastic to win. We work so hard to offer the best. We strive for perfection in both the products and environment for our customers. It’s cool to be a geek now which is one of the reasons we are on Chesterfield’s high street and continue to do well.”

Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Nick Ibbotson, Owner of Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, said: “It feels fantastic to win the award and it’s testament to the best quality of the produce we supply. I love this town; it’s a wonderful place to base a business.”

Independent Retailer of the Year - Sponsored by Jumble Creative Design Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

Apprentice of the Year - Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council) Chloe Hall – The Therapy Lounge

Apprentice Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group) Ashgate Hospicecare

Tracie Holocuk, Manager of the Alfreton Ashgate Hospicecare store, said: “I am so proud to win this award. It means an awful lot to the entire Ashgate Hospicecare retail team. Having an apprentice in our business has made a huge difference to us. I would recommend it.”

Further supporters of the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards include: Anthony Parsons, Derbyshire Times, eBusiness Works, Hoods Florists, J P Fire Safety, and Temple Safety..

For more information about the awards, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Joshua Peet .