Progressive Preshool Awards reveals Retail finalists

The Progressive Preschool Awards has revealed the retail finalists for the 2013 ceremony.

The retail category recognises the professionalism and creativity which has taken place throughout the last year in the retailing of pre-school products.

The finalists were chosen by a panel of industry retail experts on Thursday, October 3rd.

Rob Willis, publisher of Progressive Preschool magazine, said: "A credible and meaningful awards programme needs to boast strong contenders, as well as a judging process with true integrity.

"I am proud to say that the panel arrived at a truly impressive list of finalists, and the inaugural Progressive Preschool Awards really does recognise retailer’s approach and achievements over the last year."

The shortlisted finalised for the retail category are:

Best Supermarket Retailer of Preschool Products

Asda
Morrisons
Sainsburys
Tesco
Waitrose

Best Multiple Retailer of Preschool Products

Argos
Jo Jo Maman Bebe
Kiddicare
Mothercare
Smyths Toys
Toys R Us

Best Varietal Retailer of Preschool Products

Boots
Hobbycraft
Marks & Spencer
Primark
TK Maxx
Wilkinsons

Best Department Store Retailer of Preschool Products

Bentalls of Kingston
Fenwicks of Newcastle
John Lewis
Morleys Stores
Selfridges
WJ Daniels

Best Online Retailer of Preschool Products

Amazon.co.uk
Great Little Trading Company
Kiddicare.com
Littlewoods.com
Notonthehighstreet.com
Preciouslittleones.com

Best Preschool Retail Initiative

Chapter One – For its dedicated story time every Wednesday morning for pre-schoolers.

Hamleys – For its ‘Pirate Invasion’ (instigated in its Cardiff store) which ran throughout the summer, with events, competitions and entertainment.

Harrods – For its Disney pop up Christmas 2012, which covered 12,000 square feet of activities.

JoJo Maman Bebe – For its advertising campaign featuring Downs Syndrome models.

Nappy Ever After – For its 10th Anniversary celebrations which include parenting classes and workshops including waste minimalisation and green initiatives.

Best Independent Nursery Retailer

Ann’s Prams Nursery & Baby Centre – Petersfield.
Baby Talk – Chichester
Greenwich Baby – Greenwich
MiniMoo – Southport
Peppermint – Clapham, Kingston, Bromley, Chiswick

Best Independent Toy Retailer

Child’s Toys – High Wycombe
Kids Stuff Toymaster – Wells
Moons Toy Superstore – Newmarket, Ilford
Play Inside Out – East Sheen, Teddington, Walton on Thames
Trumpety Trump – Heathfield

Best Independent Apparel, Lifestyle, Giftware Retailer

Igloo Kids – Chelsea, St. Johns Wood, Islington
Isobel & Henry – West Bridgeford
Little Rascals at Snape Maltings – Snape
Primary Colours – Lyme Regis
The Alphabet Gift Shop and Alphabet Interiors – Mickleover