21 Nov 2024
We’ve been speaking to some of the winners and highly commended finalists to gauge their reactions to the 2024 St Albans Retailer of the Year competition following Monday’s awards ceremony.
You can see the full list of winners here.
Sam Campagna from Barbone, who won the Hair and Beauty category, said: “Winning the St Albans Retailer of the Year 2024 is an incredible honour and a true recognition of the hard work and dedication that goes into our local business community. To have also won in its old format back in 2013 makes this moment even more special, showing how far we’ve come while staying true to our roots.
“This competition truly highlights the vibrancy and resilience of St Albans’ retail sector. With over 700 nominations across categories, it’s clear how much passion the people of St Albans have for championing local businesses and driving positive change in our city.
“A heartfelt thank you to my amazing team, my industry colleagues, and, most importantly, the wonderful people of St Albans who continue to support and inspire us. Here’s to the future of St Albans retail!”
Restaurant of the Year winner Liam Judge from Toast said: “Hospitality in St Albans really missed the Food and Drink Awards this year, and at Toast we were especially thrilled for Restaurant of the Year to be added as a category for the Retailer of the Year.
“To say we are delighted with our win as best restaurant is an understatement. Having been open for just shy of two years, winning this feels like recognition of all of the work we’ve put in, but also that we are established as part of the truly special foodie scene in St Albans.”
Jez Levy from EYES on St Albans, highly commended for Customer Service, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that we as independent retailers are being recognised with the return of these awards. A massive shout out to all that were nominated and most especially a huge thanks to the St Albans Times, Mix 92.6 and The Maltings for resurrecting this annual shindig.”
Nadya Giffen from Nadya Giffen Therapies, who was highly commended in the Independents category, said: “We are over the moon to receive this award. It is very challenging running a business and I couldn’t do it without an amazing team that always have my back.
“Events like Retailer of the Year really help support local independents like mine. We are very grateful to the St Albans Times, Mix 92.6FM and The Maltings for organising these awards and a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us.”
Marina Desclavis, owner of Chaos City Comics and Empire Records, who won the Entertainment and Lifestyle award, said: “What a lovely evening, sharing stories with fellow retailers felt very united and the passion that everyone has for their business is very honest. The future looks much more encouraging after this evening – together we are stronger!”
Hannah Sessions, winner of the Market Stall category, said: “I was totally surprised and so happy to win. At the time it didn’t sink in and still hasn’t really. “I’ve been overwhelmed by everyone’s comments and support since winning.
“I would like to thank everyone who chooses to shop local and support independent market traders like myself. It really means so much and helps the market continue to be full of different unique products! Thanks so much everyone!”
Alan and Kat Harrington, from Kat’s Cuisine, winners of the Food and Drink award, said: “We are absolutely delighted and deeply honoured to have won this award. The incredible support we’ve received from our customers and the organisers of this event has been truly overwhelming. As a home-based business without a shopfront, we never imagined receiving such recognition, and it’s all thanks to the wonderful people who voted for us, as well as the organisers and judges who made it all possible. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this event so unforgettable!”
Unfortunately Donna Nichol, owner of Chloe James Lifestyle, couldn’t make it on the night, but said afterwards: “We are absolutely thrilled to win the award for best Fashion and Accessories store in St Albans! What an accolade! And we’re delighted the awards are back – we’re all working super hard to keep our high streets vibrant, buzzing places to be, and it’s lovely to get a bit of recognition for that. Huge congrats to all the other finalists and winners!”
All photos by John Andrews johnandrews2@btconnect.com
