Organised by Progressive Housewares magazine in conjunction with Bira, the Awards night took place at the Royal Lancaster London where nearly 400 movers and shakers of the housewares industry gathered to celebrate into the early hours. Awards host was popular televised comedian Stuart Goldsmith.
In what was a notably lively event, celebrating two decades of Excellence in Housewares, the annual gathering included great fun and surprises including the return of popular highlights such as the KitchenAid Cocktail Station, popcorn from Smart Worldwide, the glitter station, and the classic casino tables – this year sponsored by Exposé Travel who are offering the winner a trip to Chicago.
Jo Howard, editor of Progressive Housewares and HousewaresNews.net commented: “The 20th Excellence in Housewares Awards night has been a wonderful night in recognising hard work, creativity, innovation and determination for housewares suppliers and retailers.”
Rob Willis, publishing director of Progressive Housewares and director / co-owner of HousewaresNews.net agreed, saying; “This was a real coming-together of industry, and it’s clear that the sector unites to celebrate their achievements as a collective – which is exactly the spirit to have, especially in tough trading climates.”
There will be a special newsletter on Friday with dedicated awards follow-up stories, but for now the Winners of the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2019 are:
Retail Employee of the Year: Eamonn Ferry, Home Improvements Business Manager, Leekes Retail
Most Promising Newcomer: Chef’s Ware
Excellence in Direct Retailing: Lakeland
Excellence in Retail Training: Borough Kitchen
Excellence in Retail Display: Independent: Woodbridge Kitchen Company
Excellence in Retail Display: Multiple or Department Store: Morleys Group
Excellence in Retailer Initiative: Potters Cookshop
Excellence in Non-Specialist Multiple Retailing: Dobbies Garden Centres
Excellence in Specialist Retailing (Multiple and Large Independents): Lakeland
Best Department Store: Independent: Jarrold Department Store
Best Department Store: Multiple Branch or Group Member: Elys of Wimbledon
Bira Cookshop and Housewares Retailer of the Year: Prep & Richard Dare
gia UK Winner 2018-2019: Jarrold Department Store
Excellence in Cookware: GreenPan Featherweights from The Cookware Company
Top Tool or Gadget Award: Hip CleanStraw from Auteur
The Plugged-In Award: Veritable Smart Arctic White Indoor Garden from Haus
Cutting Edge Award: Signature Book & Prism Knife Block Sets from Robert Welch Designs
Excellence in Homewares: Stojo Brooklyn and Stojo Mini range from Auteur
Top of the Table Award: Bee Happy from David Mason Design
Innovation in Product Award: Veritable CONNECT Garden from Haus
The Eco Award: If You Care from Eddingtons
Icon Award: Wüsthof Classic Knives from Haus
Excellence in Innovation Award: Dexam
Excellence in Marketing Award: Le Creuset UK
Excellence in Service Award: Horwood Homewares
Honorary Achievement Award: Philip Hart
Sponsors included: Ambiente and Sherwood Events, Bira, Bira Direct, BHETA, Burton McCall, David Mason Design, The DRH Collection, Expose Travel, EKO, Exclusively Shows, FKA Brands, HousewaresNews.net, Joseph Joseph, KitchenAid, KitchenCraft, Le Creuset, Meyer Group, OXO UK, RKW Wholesale, Spring and Autumn Fair, SMART Worldwide (an SMA Worldwide Company), Tefal, The Inspired Home Show, Tramontina, Ultimate Products.
