The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2020 winners – announced last week (December 9) – are celebrating their well-earned success. HousewaresNews.net shares some of the winners’ reactions, starting with a selection of comments from winners of the retailer categories:
Kathryn Farrell, buyer for Lakeland (winner of Excellence in Retailer Initiative, and The Multiple or Small Group Retailer of the Year) says: “We are absolutely ecstatic to have the honour of winning not one but two awards against such tough competition. It’s been a challenging year for the whole of the housewares industry, which makes these awards all the more special and appreciated by all at Lakeland. Wishing everyone all the best for 2021! “
Joanna Wilson, buyer – Home at Harrods (winner of Excellence in Retail Display – Multiple or Department Store) comments: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the Excellence in Retail Display. Since the development of the newly refurbished Kitchen & Household department, the team have continued to work extremely hard throughout the year, creating a truly enjoyable customer shopping experience with beautifully curated displays and it is an honour to have this recognised by the Excellence in Housewares Awards. It is an absolute pleasure attending the Excellence in Housewares Awards and, whilst not in person this year, it is always a wonderful evening. This year was no different, providing a great platform within the industry to network and celebrate with colleagues and vendors alike. Thank you.”
Justin Kowbel, co-founder of Borough Kitchen enthuses: “We’re so excited to have won Excellence in Training. But the real congrats goes to the organisers for pulling off the event.”
Anne Brailsford, homewares manger at Camp Hopson, Newbury states: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have won Best Department Store (Multiple branch or Group member). The team and I have worked really hard to create a wonderful shopping experience for all our customers; we are all very proud of this achievement.Thank you very much Max Publishing for this fantastic award. I really enjoyed the evening, and for once was speechless on hearing our store had won.”
Rebecca Kane, md of Silver Mushroom (winner of Excellence in Online Retailing) says: ‘We’re absolutely thrilled to win; thanks to everyone who voted for us. And thank you to our wonderful staff for all their hard work in what’s been a very challenging year!’
Sarah Wood, joint md of Trevor Mottram, Tunbridge Wells (winner of Independent Cookshop of the Year) comments: “We are delighted and very surprised, and thanks to your whole team for making it a fun evening.”
Natalie Garsons, marketing manager at Garsons, Esher and Titchfield (winner of Best Garden Centre) says: “We are absolutely thrilled that we won Best Garden Centre at the Excellence in Housewares Awards,; thank you so very much. It’s lifted everyone’s spirits. Well done to you and your team creating a great virtual ceremony too, was very well organised and constructed; it can’t have been easy.”
The Retail Employee of the Year Award, Joyce Monogue, who has worked at Fenwick Newcastle for 45 years, reflects: “I was delighted to even be nominated by the store. I couldn’t believe I had won and I am over moon to be recognised for doing a job I love.”
* If you missed The Excellence in Housewares Awards or would like to watch it again, go to the Max Publishing YouTube channel.
* The live event returns next year on Wednesday 6 October 2021. You can find out all about entering, judging and sponsorship via the awards website, and book tickets and tables via the Max Publishing Box Office.
* Sponsors of The EIH 2020 include: Ambiente, Autumn Fair, Bira Direct, BHETA, Burton McCall, DKB Household, EKO, Exclusively Shows, Expose Travel, Gastroback, Groupe SEB, HousewaresNews.net and Progressive Housewares, The Inspired Home Show and The International Housewares Association, Joseph Joseph, KitchenCraft from Lifetime Brands, Le Creuset, Meyer Group, OXO UK, Salter, Tefal, Tower from RKW, Tramontina, and Ultimate Products.
Top: Members of the Lakeland team celebrating in their session room at virtual The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2020.
