34 Chesterfield retailers go head-to-head in 2016 awards

They join a total of 34 of the town’s retailers who have been shortlisted across 17 categories in the prestigious awards organised by Destination Chesterfield.

Last year’s winner of the coveted Independent Retailer of the Year title, Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, has been shortlisted for the second year running in the Market Trader of the Year category, which it also won last year.

Fellow double award winner last year, Adorn Jewellers, which is based in The Shambles, is also hoping to retain its titles of Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year and Excellence in Customer Service in 2016.

As well as the eight returning finalists, 18 retailers have been shortlisted for the first time ever in their Retail Awards categories.

The Awards return for the third year running and recognise the very best independent and high street retailers and market traders in Chesterfield. Three businesses have been shortlisted in each category but only one can win.

Organised in association with Chesterfield College, the winners will be announced on Wednesday 25 May by the new Peak FM breakfast duo Stu and Cat at a special award ceremony held at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel.

The breakfast duo commented: “It’s a real honour for us to present the awards. We love the fact that all the shortlisted businesses have been nominated by shoppers. We’re both really new to the area and are working and living in Chesterfield so have seen for ourselves what a great retail scene the town has and a supportive community behind it.”

The winners of each category will also fight it out for the prestigious Retailer of the Year Award, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber.

The shortlisted retailers in the 2016 Chesterfield Retail Awards include:

Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Chatsworth: Adorn Jewellers, Green + Benz, Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Market Trader of the Year - sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council: Joanne Harrop (Ladies cosmetics, hair extensions and accessories), Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, Mr Blanchard – (book stall on the Flea Market)

Best New Store (Opened 2015/2016) – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors: Geeks Headquarters, Green + Benz, Overton Clocks

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year – sponsored by The Chesterfield College Group: Burlingtons Hair Salon, Embellish, Mark Leeson

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year – sponsored by In the Works PR: Badger, Blanc, Peter’s Shoemakers & Outfitters

Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the Pavements Shopping Centre: Adorn Jewellers, Green + Benz, John Stevenson Jewellers

Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year: H & F, Libby’s, Olympia House Antiques & Craft Centre

Children’s Clothes, Toys & Accessories Retailer of the Year – sponsored by Custom Solar: Babyluv, Debenhams, Geek Headquarters

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by BHP Accountants: Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, RP Davidson Cheese Factor, Northern Tea Merchants

Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers: Chips Computers, Exlen Technology, Three

Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor) – Sponsored by Peak: Fred’s Haberdashery, JE James Cycles, StraightCurves

Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design: Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, Lamb’s Cupcakes, RP Davidson Cheese Factor

National/ Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vicar Lane: Debenhams, Specsavers, Three

Market Hall Business of the Year – sponsored by Arvato: Fred’s Haberdashery, Lamb’s Cupcakes, Scentiment

Vicar Lane Shopping Retailer of the Year: F Hinds, New Look, River Island

Pavements Shopping Centre Retailer of the Year: Fragrance Perfume, Full Monty, Warren James Jewellery

The awards are supported by members of the business community, who have not only sponsored individual awards but also the actual ceremony. As well as the category sponsors, other supporters of the 2016 Chesterfield Retail Awards include the University of Derby, eBusiness Works and the Derbyshire Times.