The Drapers Awards 2005
15-07-2005
The Drapers Awards 2005 looks set to be a fantastic event with attendee figures expected to hit over 1,200. The awards, taking place on Wednesday 23 November, will see 19 statuettes presented to the finest, most innovative and most passionate fashion retailers throughout the
This glamorous event will be held at The Great Room of Grosvenor House, where the eclectic mix of large multiples and fledging independents will allow this event to provide a unique snapshot of the diversity of the fashion industry. Previous winners of the prestigious awards have included
Got you wondering how to get your hands on one of these honourable awards?
We thought that would be the case, so here at fashioncapital we have compiled a list of all of the categories and the entry requirements:-
Best New Business Any new independent fashion business that has been trading for 12-24 months by August 26 2005.
Designer Store Any business that sells high-priced, directional fashion. Entries can be from independents, department stores with designer rooms, and designer brands themselves.
Independent Young Fashion Retailer Any independent retailer that specialises in young fashion for both genders and has managed to combine a great merchandise selection with exemplary retailing skills.
Independent Menswear Retailer Any independent that specialises in menswear, with strong contenders running a professional well-established business.
Independent Womenswear Retailer Any independent that specialises in womenswear. “A strong contender would be a very professional business that sells real clothes to real women.†Drapers
Kidswear Retailer Any independent business that sells fashion for children from birth to 16 years.
Lingerie Retailer Any business that sells lingerie, whether it is a specialist shop, a department within another store, an e-tailer or a mail order business.
Sales Assistant of the Year Entrants must be nominated by their manager or supervisor. This category is open to anyone working on the front line of fashion retailing; there may be more than one nomination from each company.
Best New Store/Department Any store that has opened a new retail concept within the last 18 months prior to August 26 2005.
Smaller Multiple Any multiple fashion retailer that has more than 10 stores/concessions and has a turnover of less than £100 million.
Etailer Any retailer that is either an etailing specialist or successfully combines retailing and etailing.
Value or Discount Retailer Any multiple or major retailer that presents itself as a price-driven operator. This category is for big campanies rather than independents.
Independent Department Store Entrants to this category can have more that one store, however the store must not be part of a major plc, nor will it be within the top 10 department store operators.
Multiple of the year Any multiple fashion retailer with more than 10 stores/concessions and a turnover of more than £100 million. The product mix can be your own label, or a brand or a combination of the two.
Independent Retailer of the year The winner of this award will be carefully selected from the winners of the independent categories.
Womenswear Brand Nominations For this award can include the brand that provides you with the best sell-through, or the one that offers the largest margin. Furthermore it can be an extensive stock service or after-sales service that you feel is deserved of the award. Whatever the reason please contact Drapers with your nominations.
Menswear Brand Nominations For this award can include the brand that provides you with the best sell-through, or the one that offers the largest margin. Furthermore it can be an extensive stock service or after-sales service that you feel is deserved of the award. Whatever the reason please contact Drapers with your nominations.
Young Fashion Brand Whatever your reason for nominating, whether it be the best sell-through or the one that offers the biggest margin nominations for the Young Fashion Brand are welcomed at Drapers.
Lifetime Achievement Award This category is decided by the Drapers editorial team; however nominations of prospective recipients are required. If you feel that the career of someone you know has had a positive effect on fashion retailing please provide the name to Drapers.
The selection process
The Drapers editorial team will assess all of the entries after August 26 2005 and will compile a shortlist of possible finalists for each category. During September and October a Drapers journalist will visit each of the shortlisted entrants where they will interview the owner, designated director or manager to get a detailed look into the company. The journalists’ notes will then be passed onto a panel of expert judges alongside a copy of the original entry form and finally the judges will meet in late October to debate the entrants’ merits and to vote for a winner and a list of finalists.
Amendments
The specific footwear category has been removed from the event as there is a Drapers Footwear Awards held in spring that celebrates excellence within that sector, therefore allowing the November ceremony to concentrate specifically on clothing retailing. Although it is important to stress that businesses selling both footwear and clothing are eligible for both awards.
There has been an introduction of four new categories; Etailer of the Year Award,
Value/Discount Retailer of the Year Award, Best New Store or Best New Department category, and finally the Sales Assistant of the Year award.
For further information or to submit an entry visit www.drapersawards.co.uk. The deadline for all entries is Friday 26 August 2005.
Photography courtesy of Ian Macaulay
Stephanie McLaughlin
