The shortlist for the SLR Awards 2022 has been unveiled after the successful completion of the first phase of judging.
This is a very special year for us, given that 2022 marks the 20th anniversary of the SLR Awards so it was enormously encouraging to see such a high standard of entries.
One judge, Samantha Coldbeck is a multi-award-winning retailer herself at Premier Wharfedale in Hull. She commented: “I know how hard the least year has been, so it was just so heartwarming to see what local retailers in Scotland have achieved in the last 12 months. Despite all the challenges thrown at them, they’ve achieved some unbelievable things in the last year and the general standard of entry was really pretty staggering.”
SLR Publisher Antony Begley added: “I know I probably say it every year, but I think this is probably the highest standard of entries we’ve seen in 20 years of running the SLR Awards. In one of the toughest years in history, local retailers have more than risen to the challenge. Covid has been an incredibly tough battle, but it has at least allowed many retailers to grow revenues and reinvest in their businesses. That strategy was really evident during the paper judging and it will undoubtedly serve the sector well in years to come.”
With the paper judging phase now complete, the judges will now begin the on-the-road judging, visiting every store on the shortlist over the next month.
“Once again, local retailing has proven how vital it is to communities all across Scotland – and I can’t wait to hit the road and start seeing all the shortlisted stores in person,” said Begley. “Good luck to every store on the shortlist.”
