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.
Eligibility to enter in 2025
Independent fashion retailers
Small businesses, privately owned (typically by a sole proprietor, but could be a partnership) and run by the owner(s). Operating up to 12 multi-brand stores and/or a multi-brand website. Meets one or more of the following criteria: annual turnover of no more than £10.2m; assets worth no more than £5.1m; 50 or fewer employees. Must be based in the UK and/or Ireland and stock fashion (womenswear/menswear/kidswear or a mix – please refer to the individual category criteria). Footwear retailers should enter Drapers Footwear Awards.
Wholesale brands/agents
Our brand and agency/distributor entrants can be larger businesses (with turnover >£10.2m) but they must be able to demonstrate that the majority of their clients are independent retailers, according to the criteria set out above. They must operate in the UK and/or Ireland and produce/distribute fashion (womenswear/menswear/kidswear or a mix – please refer to the individual category criteria). Brands that sell direct to consumer can enter, as long as they also wholesale to independents. Footwear brands should enter Drapers Footwear Awards.
Entry process
Drapers Independents Awards are free to enter.
NB: You can save your entry and return to it at any stage of the process.
If you need help with your entry or require any clarification, please contact Abs Inshal on +44 (0)20 3953 2191 or email abs.inshal@emap.com.
Check out the highlights from last year
FAQS
Hopefully, you'll find an answer to your question below. If not, please contact Abs Inshal on +44 (0)20 3953 2191 or via
abs.inshal@emap.com.
To view the criteria, create your account, or log in with your email and password used to create your account if you have already done so. Select “Enter now” against the category you wish to view, where the criteria will be displayed. If you wish to start your entry at this point, any information you add will be autosaved and you can log in to complete the rest of the entry at any time.
Enter the email address and password that you used when you first started your entry on the log in page, you will then be taken through to your dashboard and will be able to continue your entry.
You can enter another category by selecting the category you wish to enter from the “Categories” section.
Please contact Abs Inshal on +44 (0)20 3953 2191 or via abs.inshal@emap.com, and he will be able to help you with your entry.