The owners of independent fashion retailers across the UK and Ireland, and the brands and agents that supply them, have proved their resilience and ability to adapt to changing consumer behaviour over the last three turbulent years. The focus now is on how to do business better – becoming more responsible, sustainable, and digitally savvy, while still providing customers with top-quality, beautifully designed product and stellar service.

In 2023, the Drapers Independents Awards celebrated the best in independent fashion retailing through this lens. After three challenging years, the awards recognised the fashion retailers and brands that have innovated to survive, supported their local communities, and built stronger businesses under the toughest of circumstances.

There were 18 awards, including categories for menswear, womenswear and kidswear retailers and brands. We changed our individual award category to Independent Retail Star of the Year, recognising talent across the industry – irrespective of age or years of service.

Please refer to the definitions of independent retailer/brand/agent here to check your chance of being eligible to enter the Drapers Independents Awards in 2024, as well as reading the individual category criteria. Footwear brands and retailers should enter the Drapers Footwear Awards, while direct-to-consumer brands that do not wholesale to independents can enter the Drapers Awards.

Why enter

The independent sector has braved many challenges over the past couple of years, grappling with everything from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic to devastating floods. These awards celebrate the very best in the independent fashion retailing sector and identify the outstanding independents breathing life and creativity into high streets across the UK and Ireland. 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.