Drapers Independents Awards

The owners of independent fashion retailers across the UK and Ireland, and the brands and agents that supply them, consistently prove their resilience and ability to adapt during turbulent times. Despite significant headwinds, their focus is on doing business better – becoming more responsible, sustainable and digitally savvy, while still offering customers high-quality, beautifully designed product and stellar service.

In 2024, Drapers Independents Awards celebrated the best in independent fashion retailing through these lenses. As the sector adapts to an ever-shifting retail landscape, the awards recognised those that are innovating to survive, supporting their local communities, and building stronger businesses under the toughest of circumstances.

There were 17 awards this year, including categories for menswear, womenswear and kidswear retailers and brands. We also added a new Best Independent Department Store category, and our individual award category Independent Retail Star of the Year recognised talent across the industry, irrespective of age or years of service.

Why enter

The independent sector has navigated many challenges over recent years, from the cost of living crisis and fallout from Brexit, to global macro-economic headwinds. These awards celebrate the very best in independent fashion retail, and identify the outstanding independents breathing life and creativity into high streets across the UK and Ireland, in spite of these challenges. Winning one of these coveted awards marks your business out as a leader in the independent sector, and ensures national recognition for you and your team.