Nourish is runner up in national Best Small Shop Awards
Flying the flag for the South West, Exeter zero waste retailer Nourish Zero Waste has been named joint runner up at the Best Small Shop Awards 2020.
The Best Small Shops competition celebrates, not only the commitment and creativity of entrepreneurial independent retailers on the UK's High Streets but also, the central role independent retailers play in their local communities.
The competition received hundreds of entries which were whittled down to just 30 finalists, before judges chose one overall winner and two runners up, one of which was Nourish with its two small shops in Magdalen Road and Topsham.
The judges referred to Nourish as "clearly an innovative business working hard to engage with the local community." They said they liked the drive and determination about this business, its pioneering spirit, calling it "cause-driven, honest, authentic, and energetic".
"The proof of the pudding is in the eating," they added, "in the sheer amount of single use plastic they have managed to eliminate from the local area. The use of technology to make the business smarter and the collaborative approach with others during lockdown is really impressive."
This year’s overall winner was independent Worcester gift shop Cornucopia, while Nourish shared second place with A G Hendy & Co, a homeware shop in Hastings, which offers practical plastic free, eco-friendly goods for the home.
Nourish founder, Sarah Martin said: “This is such a wonderful accolade to receive, especially this year when business has been challenging for small shops everywhere.
“It’s especially satisfying that both runners up have a focus on being plastic-free and eco-friendly. It underlines the fact that businesses like Nourish are making a real impact on shopping habits.”
This is the second year in a row that an Exeter business has been runner up in the awards, as The Recycled Candle Company took the same accolade last year.
“Maybe next year an Exeter small shop will take top spot!” added Sarah.
