Leading Cornish surf store Ann’s Cottage, who have a shop in Newquay, has been awarded ‘Highly Commended’ for ‘Best Young Fashion Retailer 2012’ in the prestigious Drapers Fashion Awards. 
Ann’s Cottage picked up the prestigious prize at a ceremony in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, hosted by TV and Radio personality Lauren Laverne.
Ann’s Cottage was recognised by some of the industry’s elite. Buyer and Director Becci Cornelius is thrilled: “We’re super proud to be highly commended for the UK’s best young fashion retailer by the industry’s most influential people. We try really hard to stock inspirational brands that compliment the surf lifestyle we have in Cornwall, it looks like we’ve succeeded!”
The Drapers Awards attract a host of fashion heavyweights; the judging panel alone included numerous CEOs from the nation’s high-street to the biggest movers and shakers in the fashion & retail sector, including the British Fashion Council, British Retail Consortium and The Times.
This year’s awards marked the 125th anniversary of Drapers Magazine, which many view as the Fashionistas’ Bible. Organisers claimed it made this year’s awards even more special. The glossy publication has been instrumental in promoting some of the most successful British fashion brands and stores.
Owner of Ann’s Cottage, Rob Harris, thinks this will be the case for the coming season: “To be recognised by the leading business-to-business fashion retail magazine means exposure locally, nationally and even internationally. The sky is the limit and it means all eyes are on Cornwall, it’s fantastic!”
Rob adds that thinking outside the box ensured their success: “It’s not just a case of choosing where to hang clothes; we strive to offer a retail experience. Our website and social media keep our customers engaged; we even sponsor a budding young surfer and stage local musicians gigs in-store. Our shops are exciting places to be.”
** Archived December 2012 **
