VOTES have already been cast in the high hundreds in the Irish News/Retail NI poll to unearth shoppers’ favourite independent retailer and best high street.
And while our High Street Heroes NI initiative has already gained the support of Stormont's political hierarchy, including First Minister Paul Givan and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill, all of the north's 11 district councils have also now indicated their backing for the campaign.
Last week and in the next few days, each of the council's mayors and their areas' chambers of commerce, will join with Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts in endorsing the public vote.
These small businesses, whether a coffee shop, tailor, butcher or a grocery store, have proven to be the lifeblood of the Northern Ireland economy.
“In the last year in particular, small independent retailers are the people who have taken risks each and every day to create jobs and prosperity and to maintain our way of life, and now is the time for readers to show their support and vote for these High Street Heroes,” said Irish News group marketing and communications manager Annette Small.
“As much as we're delighted at the backing of politicians, chambers of commerce, business organisations and our sponsors Camelot and Translink in getting involved in our campaign, we've been equally thrilled by the early response to our people's poll.
“And we urge the public to continue voting at www.irishnews.com/heroes across the 12 different categories between now and the closing date of July 30.”
Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said: “This it the third year of our campaign, launched to coincide with Independents' Day.
“It again highlights the massive contribution independent retailers make to our high streets and the economy in general, and now the public can have its say in nominating their favourite retailer, high street or Covid hero.”
