Leeds Retail Skills Academy (sponsors of the Retail Assistant category) would like to congratulate all the shortlist – that’s Chloe McGenn  (Life’s Big Canvas); Faranak Rezaei  (Harvey Nichols); Jared Myland  (OK Comics); Laura Byrne  (Shabby Chic); Oliver Pickles (OK Comics) and Sarah Bentley (Paper Dress Vintage).  You’re all winners in our minds! Special congratulations though to Laura Byrne from Shabby Chic for her deserved win and Chloe McGenn for her Highly Commended result.

The results from last night are here …

Best Homeware

Winner: ASDA Living

Highly Commended : TK Maxx

Best Footwear

Winner: Office

Highly Commended : Kurt Geiger

Best Health & Well Being

Winner: Boots

Highly Commended : Neal’s Yard

Best Lingerie

Winner: La Senza

Highly Commended : Fit to Bust

Best Music

Winner: Jumbo

Highly Commended : HMV

Best Hi-Fi & Electrical

Winner: Richer Sounds

Highly Commended : Bose

Retail Assistant of the Year

Winner: Laura Byrne; Shabby Chic

Highly Commended : Chloe McGenn; Life’s Big Canvas

Best Sports & Hobbies

Winner: Hobbycraft

Highly Commended : Ok Comics

Best High Street

Winner: Topshop

Highly Commended : Gap

Newcomer of the Year

Winner: Liz Earle

Highly Commended : Layne’s Espresso

Best Jewellery & Accessories

Winner: Life’s Big Canvas

Highly Commended : Form Bespoke Jewellery

Best Shopping Centre & Arcade

Winner: Kirkgate Market

Highly Commended : Victoria Quarter

Best Specialist Retailer

Winner: Fashion Pony

Highly Commended : Rose & Co

Best Department Store

Winner: Harvey Nichols

Highly Commended : Bird’s Yard

Best Vintage

Winner: Birdshell Boutique

Highly Commended : Pop Boutique

Local Designer of the Year

Winner: Bozena Carter, Bo Carter

Highly Commended : James Steward

Best Menswear

Winner: Accent

Highly Commended : Kiosk 78

Best Womenswear

Winner: Urban Outfitters

Highly Commended : Joy

Best Independent

Winner: Lou Lou Puchalka

Highly Commended : Accent

Outstanding Customer Service

Winner: Whittakers

Highly Commended : Layne’s Espresso

BACIL Retailer of the Year

Winner: USC

Outstanding contribution to the Environment

Winner: St John’s Shopping Centre

Retail Legend

Winner: Accent

Leeds Retail Skills Academy (sponsors of the Retail Assistant category) offers a range of nationally recognised, accredited qualifications in Retail, such as NVQs and Apprenticeships.  These courses are for both new and existing employees.  The training courses develop and assess knowledge and competence in their work role as well as improve literacy and numeracy skills if required.  We can also advertise and recruit new apprentices for you.  For more information about Apprenticeships, visit the Apprenticeship website http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Employers/The-Basics.aspx

We’re a bit weary this morning after a late one at the Leeds Retail Awards last night. All in all a great night and a special congratulations for all winners and highly commended businesses. Keep checking for the results coming soon!