Flower Box blooms at St Albans Retailer of the Year Awards
An independent flower shop, known for creative and imaginative displays, went into full bloom at St Albans Retailer of the Year Awards winning the top prize.
Flower Box at the Village Arcade was named overall winner at the awards ceremony on Monday, 29 January, after picking up an award for best Specialist Shop.
Flower Box owner, Zoe Lafbery said: “We were really shocked to win. It was really lovely. It’s nice for the shop to be recognised.”
Retailers from across St Albans City centre packed out the Alban Arena for the gala awards evening. The event was attended by the Mayor of St Albans City and District, Councillor Mohammad Iqbal Zia.
Awards were presented to the winners of the following categories:
Market Traders
- WINNER - Tyler’s Fruit & Veg
- Chrissy’s Cupcakes
- Martin Firsht Ladies Fashions
- Munib Islam Telephone Accessories
- So Cosy Blankets & Throws
Specialist Shops
- WINNER - Flower Box, Village Arcade
- Chantilly Interiors, Catherine Street
- Cositas, Holywell Hill
- Country to Coast, Christopher Place
- Rock Pop Candy, Holywell Hill
Food & Drink
- WINNER - Tomoka Spirits Boutique, Christopher Place
- Beer Shop, London Road
- Buongiorno Italia, Lattimore Road
- Hotel Chocolat, The Maltings
- The Juice Pharm, St Peter’s Street
Hair & Beauty
- WINNER - Clipso, The Maltings
- Alternative Barbering Co., George Street
- Jo Banks Salon & Spa, Chequer Street
- Lee Moran, Holywell Hill
- Wacky Barber, Verulam Road
Fashion & Accessories
- WINNER - The Dressing Room, High Street
- Chesca, Market Place
- D. Copperfield, Chequer Street
- French Connection, Christopher Place
- Jane & Dada, High Street
A special Star Award, was also presented to women’s fashion store, Jane and Dada, marking its significant contribution to the City’s shopping experience, over the years. Last night, tributes were paid to co-founder Jane, who died year and her business partner, Dada, who was commended for trading on in St Albans. The fashion business partnership spanned more than 40 years and includes a boutique in Hampstead as well as St Albans.
Awards were also presented to the Hare and Hounds in Sopwell Lane for Festive Pub of the Year and The Skin to Love Clinic on Chequer Street for Festive Shop Window of the Year.
The awards are organised by St Albans City and District Council, St Albans Review, St Albans Civic Society and St Albans District Chamber of Commerce.
The competition began ten years ago and is the brainchild of District Councillor Roma Mills as well as Martin Buhagier, former editor of St Albans Review.
Cllr Mills said: “These awards highlight the wonderful variety of shops and retail businesses we have in our City. They all contribute to making St Albans a fantastic shopping destination for visitors and residents alike.”
Councillor Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Business and the Community at St Albans City and District Council, added: “St Albans offers a vibrant and interesting shopping experience, with a wide variety of stores and a fantastic Charter market. These awards help celebrate the excellence of our retailers and their huge contribution to making St Albans an attractive place to visit.”
As part of the retail competition, people are invited to nominate their favourite shops and market stalls in St Albans for an award. Mystery shoppers visit the nominees and the winners are then selected by a judging panel from shortlists for five award categories.
Councillor contacts:
Councillor Roma Mills, Tel: 01727 837319, Email: cllr.r.mills@stalbans.gov.uk
Councillor Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Business and the Community at St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 07956 220264, Email: cllr.b.read@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the media:
Amanda Wilkinson, Senior Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819317, E-mail: amanda.wilkinson@stalbans.gov.uk
Photo:
The team from Flower Box (left to right): owner Zoe Lafbery with Katie Razzell and Liz Taylor.