Why attend

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 will celebrate the best in independent fashion retailing through this lens. As the sector adapts to an ever-shifting retail landscape, the awards will recognise those that are innovating to survive, supporting their local communities, and building stronger businesses under the toughest of circumstances.

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

Please refer to the definitions of independent retailer/brand/agent here to check you are eligible to enter Drapers Independents Awards, as well as reading the individual category criteria. Footwear brands and retailers should enter the Drapers Footwear Awards.

Direct-to-consumer brands that do not wholesale to independents are kindly encouraged to enter Drapers Awards, as unfortunately they are not eligible to enter Drapers Independents Awards.

Why attend

Being a finalist or winning an award offers you the opportunity to:

• Gain recognition for your achievements
• Demonstrate excellence in your business
• Motivate your team
• Increase awareness of your business and gain PR exposure
• Build customer trust and increase sales