Nine Independent Retailers Win With Customer Care

Nine independent retailers have proved 'customer car' is a winning ticket after being awarded accolades for their work as part of Belfast`s first ever Independent Retail Week (BIRW).

More than 160 local companies signed up to BIRW getting behind Belfast City Council's efforts to boost trade and improve service in the independent retail sector. The aim was to promote quality neighbourhood shopping across the city.

Customer care was judged by independent mystery shoppers with winners being appointed in three separate sectors - hospitality, retail and service.

Baked in Belfast, an east Belfast company offering speciality foods, craft and coffee shop took first prize in the hospitality section. The other finalists in this category were Cornish Pasty Trading Company and Café Still.

Retail winners were Andrew Watson, Upper Queen Street, and they were joined as finalists by Bogart Menswear and Co Couture. Learning Space, a children`s education/play store in the Fountain Centre just missed out on the final but was highly commended by judges in this category.

In the service sector, K9 Grooming Studio, Sandown Road, took number one spot, with the other finalists being EK Eyewear and Jason Shankey Male Grooming.

Congratulating everyone who participated in BIRW and the Customer Care Competition in particular, Alderman Christopher Stalford, Chairman of Belfast City Council's Development Committee, said: "We are delighted that so many independent retailers joined us in promoting this sector across the city.

"I think it is recognition of the work Belfast City Council is doing in these difficult economic times to help support small and unique businesses in our city."

(CD/GK)