Who Is Your High Street Hero?

High Street Heroes NI is being launched on July 4th with the intention of highlighting the best independent retailers across the country. Retailers are a focal point for many local communities and they can bring people together in good times and bad. It is particularly good to celebrate the best independent retailers after the difficulties of the past two years.

High Street Heroes Categories

Here are the categories you can vote for as posted in an article on the Belfast Live website:

• Best Convenience Store;
• Best Coffee Shop;
• Best Healthcare Retailer;
• Best Fashion Retailer;
• Best Butcher;
• Best Deli;
• Best Homeware Retailer;
• Best Forecourt/Petrol station;
• Best Off Licence;
• High Street of The Year;
• Independent Retailer Employee of the Year;
• Overall Independent Retailer (chosen from the winners)

Right That We Recognise And Celebrate Their Achievements

In the same article, speaking about this campaign, Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA said:

“In recent months I have visited businesses from all retail sectors, and it is encouraging to see them rebuild after the pandemic. The ability of independent retailers to survive and at times flourish in such difficult circumstances is truly remarkable and it’s right that we recognise and celebrate their achievements.

“The High Street is vital to our economy and I am pleased we have been able to support retailers through the extended rates holiday. I hope the recent launch of my Department’s Back in Business incentive scheme will boost post pandemic footfall for all businesses, new and existing, and help restore the vibrancy of our local high streets as shoppers, tourists and workers return to the town centres.

“Today is about highlighting the contribution of retailers over the past couple of years in supporting their local communities and I would encourage everyone to get involved and vote for your favourite High Street Hero.”

Also Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA is quoted, saying:

“I was delighted to support last year’s High Street Heroes campaign and present the award of overall retailer of the year to Crawford’s of Maghera. Our High Streets and independent retailers provide the fabric and character of our local cities, towns, and villagers.

“Recently my Department asked everyone to support their local High Street with the Spend Local card following the impact of the pandemic on business and retail. Now we are asking you to vote for your favourite independent retailer and help to highlight their excellence in service and variety and quality in produce.”

If you would like to place your vote for your favourite High Street Hero from Monday 4th July please visit the following website: https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/high-street-heroes-2022-24213468