16-Dec-2009
Harrogate Advertiser - Village shop is judged best in the UK
Kirkby Overblow couple David and Kate Deacon have beaten off stiff competition to win a national award for their village store, The Shoulder Shop.
The shop named best in the UK in the Shop Presentation category at the Independent Achievers Academy's Annual Awards dinner.
"The shop's appeal is the high standards that we present and often customers even from the outside of the village say how nice the shop looks," said David Deacon, owner of The Shoulder Shop.
The IAA judges were impressed by the Deacons' emphasis on detail, ensuring fresh bread at all times in the deli and maintenance of good hygiene standards.
A combination of traditional stone building and oak beam alongside deep shelving gives the shop a contemporary feel, creating a strong visual impact to enhance the customers experience.
"In a tough financial year, our winning independent retailers demonstrated that it is definitely possible to compete well against larger chain stores," said Kate Dickenson, IAA project manager.
"The entrepreneurship of these retailers is an inspiration, not only to those who work in the retail industry but to the millions of local people who value their freindly neighbourhood shop".
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