Independent retailers from across the preschool industry have been sharing their joy with PreschoolNews.net after finding out they’ve scooped nominations at this year’s Progressive Preschool Awards.
The finalists reflect the cross-category focus of the Progressive Preschool Awards, spanning a broad selection of retailers which have made their mark within the preschool aged industry over the past year.
Victoria Hampson from Natural Baby Shower – which is nominated for Best Independent Nursery Retailer – said that she was “thrilled” to be shortlisted.
“We are all thrilled to place as one of this years’ finalists, particularly in such a turbulent year for both the nursery industry and of course, our wider community with Covid-19,” Victoria commented. “We wouldn’t have been able to do it without the entire team at Natural Baby Shower, our family of amazing brands, and support from our loyal customers. A special thanks goes to the remarkable work from our charity partners who have helped to give back to the community over the past year.
“We are crossing all fingers and toes for 11 November – we are so excited to be able to celebrate with you all.”
Babylicious is also nominated for Best Independent Nursery Retailer, with the company’s Ian Davidson commenting: “Oh how exciting! Being nominated among bigger stores, I suppose when you work hard and love what you do, it gets noticed.”
Xiao Lei Liu from Little Yu Boutique – nominated for Best Independent Apparel Retailer – commented: “I am honoured to be nominated as a finalist in the Progressive Preschool Awards 2021. Being part of the finals means so much to us, especially after a tough 2020. This recognition will give us encouragement to continue the work we are doing into the future. I can’t wait to share this news with all my customers.”
The Best Independent Gift Retailer is a hotly contested one, with three of the nominees including Tickittyboo, Harmony at Home and Piccola.
Julia Cook from Tickittyboo commented: “Wow! This is absolutely fantastic news for us. Thank you so much; we are really chuffed and cannot believe it. Even to get this far, we are overwhelmed, it’s been such a hard time with the pandemic. The whole team has been working so hard and this has given us all a huge morale boost.”
Frankie Gray, director of Harmony at Home, said: “I am thrilled, thank you so much, what a lovely surprise.”
Meanwhile, Piccola’s Simon Wilson enthused: “This is fantastic news – thank you so much for this great honour; we’re so grateful.”
The Progressive Preschool Awards 2021 will be taking place on Thursday 11 November at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.
Tickets and tables for the event can be reserved easily and securely online by visiting Max-Tickets.net or by contacting Clare Hollick at Create Events: clare@createvents.co.uk or +44 (0)1183 340085.
Sponsors of the 2021 event include: Acamar Films, Amscan International, Aykroyd & Sons, Azaria PR, BBC Studios, British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA), Centum Books, Harrogate International Nursery Fair, Hippychick, The Insights Family, LicensingSource.net, London Toy Fair, Media Snug, Misirli, Nursery Online, Poetic Brands, Rainbow Designs, Redan Publishing, RH Smith & Sons (Smiffys), Toymaster, ViacomCBS, Vista PR, Walker Books.
