Belfast Mayor Encourages Locals To Vote For Their Favourite Retailers

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Micky Murray, is urging the people of Belfast to support their favourite independent retailers by voting in this year's High Street Hero Awards.

The awards celebrate independent retailers who excel in serving their community, ensuring the local high street remains vibrant for shopping and socialising. Votes are open across 13 categories, inviting shoppers to nominate their preferred convenience store, deli, butcher and off licence, among others. The retailer with the most votes will be honoured as the Overall Independent Retailer of the Year.

A record 12,000 votes were cast last year to determine who was crowned Northern Ireland's retail elite. The County Antrim town of Ballymoney was named High Street of The Year for 2023 in a tight race with Belfast's Shankill Road and Newtownards.

Launching the High Street Hero Awards on the Lisburn Road in Belfast, Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Micky Murray said: "We have so many High Street Heroes in Belfast, so let’s take this opportunity to vote for our favourites to recognise the valuable contributions they make every day – not only in boosting our economy, but also our quality of life. "During my term as First Citizen, I want to make Belfast a place where everyone feels welcomed and included, because a more inclusive, diverse, and kinder city makes life better for everyone. Through High Street Heroes NI, let's shine the spotlight on those who make our daily lives a little bit easier and brighter as they serve our communities - whether that’s in a bakery, chemist, coffee shop, or another independent retailer."

Glyn Roberts, Retail NI Chief Executive, said: "Independent retail is the lifeblood of communities right across Northern Ireland and our annual High Street Heroes NI campaign represents the biggest celebration of our thriving local retail sector. Our awards are different - they are a public vote, with no judges and it is local consumers deciding who wins.

"This is a massive celebration of the individual businesses who are the beating heart of towns and cities like Belfast, and this is your opportunity to make sure your favourite local business is included. Whether it’s a local butcher that’s a cut above the rest,or fashion retailer with exceptional style, it’s time to vote for your favourite now."

The successful High Street Hero NI awards is a joint initiative powered by Retail NI and supported National Lottery operator Allwyn, SSE Airtricity and Roam Local NI.

The 13 High Street Hero Award categories are:

• Best Butcher

• Best Coffee Shop

• Best Convenience Store

• Best Deli/Bakery

• Best Fashion Retailer

• Best Forecourt

• Best Generalist Retailer

• Best Healthcare Retailer

• High Street of the Year

• Best Homeware Retailer

• Best Off Licence

• Best Independent Retailer employee

• Overall Independent Retailer