With excitement building in the countdown to the big night itself, retailers are sharing their joy following last week’s announcement of the retailer finalists [available HERE] for The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2021.
“We are really proud to be finalists this year,” states Lisa Rutherford, new category lead for cookshop at John Lewis & Partners. “We are a newly formed team and really can’t wait to be fully immersed in this exciting and hugely important industry.”
At Borough Kitchen, London, co-founders Justin Kowbel and David Caldana and buyer Simone Hillman comment:“We’re so touched by the nominations. Like everyone, it’s been such a challenging crazy year and it’s SO nice to see ourselves on the list and with some great peers who we know have worked so hard as well.”
The finalist announcement has been bringing cheer to retailers across the country, not least Lizzie Braine and Vicky Woolston, directors of The Kitchen Shop, Lichfield, who say: “This is really great news and to think someone has put us forward for this award is heart-warming especially after the very difficult year we have had! Thank you.”
In Wimborne, David and Ione Crossley, co-owners of Salamander Cookshop comment: “We’re delighted to a finalist in the Independent Cookshop of the year and Initiative categories and this validation the efforts of all our team to share our passion, knowledge and enthusiasm for cooking and the products we sell.”
At Harrods, Margaret Osei-Bonsu, homewares buyer says: “We are very excited to be finalists for the Excellence in Housewares Awards.” Referring to Harrod’s position as an Excellence in Retail Display finalist, she explains: “The campaign goes back to our roots, reminding customers of all that Harrods has to offer. We are thrilled the Harrods is Home Campaign has been positively received, as this was truly a joint collaboration within the Home Category.”
In Holt, Sharon Hayman, head of retail operations for Bakers and Larners enthuses: “Wow, we are so happy and extremely appreciative to be nominated in the Best Independent Department Store category. This year has really shown how important independents are to the high street with their variety and depth of product and of course helpful and happy staff. Bakers and Larners has just celebrated its 250th year in its 251st year, if that make sense, and continues to go from strength to strength as a one stop department store from food to DIY, wine to gardening. You name it we sell it! We pride ourselves on this variety and have a well establish following of loyal customers.”
In Barnstaple, Jason and Liz Bidwell, co-owners of Pots n Pans express “how honoured and delighted we are to have been nominated and chosen as finalists for the Independent Cookshop Award.” Liz explains: “Pots n Pans Cookshop was a long-held dream of ours which we were fortunate enough to realise 16 years ago. We are a true family business and are immensely proud of our cookshop, to have been chosen as a finalist amongst such respected names in the industry means the world to us.”
Liz acknowledges: “As for everyone, the last few years have presented us with some challenges but we feel we have been able to adapt and grow the business to suit the changing times ahead. At times like these we feel fortunate to work in such a close knit and supportive industry as housewares. We absolutely love what we do and after having been prevented from doing it for periods of time recently appreciate it all the more.”
* The EIH 21 winners will be announced on October 6 at the Royal Lancaster London.
* www.excellenceinhousewaresawards.co.uk | #HousewaresAwards21
Top: Jason Bidwell has a wide smile on hearing the news that his well-stocked, community focused cookshop Pots n Pans of Barnstaple is among the EIH 21 finalists.
