The store in Derry’s Foyleside Shopping Center was this week awarded the Community Champion Award which seeks to recognize collaborative retail projects that have innovatively supported each other and their local community.
The Re:Imagine initiative is a pilot program consisting of 11 retailers who have won a competition to set up and display their products in premier retail spaces in Derry and Strabane.
The Drapers Award judges described Re:Imagine as a “pretty brilliant and wonderful concept and a true community champion.”
They were impressed by his approach to reviving the local community and economy, with one judge saying his practices should be “a model that spreads through high streets everywhere.”
Deirdre Williams of the Fashion Textile and Design Center received the award alongside Foyleside Center Manager Fergal Rafferty, Re:Imagine Trader Catriona Hutton of Koto Candles and Leeann Doherty of the Council’s Trade Support team at this week’s presentation at Grosvenor House in London.
“We are delighted to receive this award, which is just recognition for the brilliant way our shareholders and merchants have worked together to drive the Re:Imagine project forward,” he said.
“From the beginning, the goal of the project was to create an environment that allows brands to reach the next level in their development and to see that vision come to life is truly rewarding for everyone involved.
“The public has supported the project by visiting the store in great numbers and now having the backing of the retail industry at the highest level is the icing on the cake.
“I want to thank and congratulate all of our partners and merchants for their dedicated work in launching and running the store that has ‘Re:Imagined’ the high street with local, sustainable and organic clothing and products.”
The Re:Imagine project is one element of a new Start Up Accelerator Program being delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council, Enterprise North West and Strabane Enterprise Agency with support from IDB in Strabane.
The Fashion and Textile Design Center (FTDC) is responsible for the design, delivery and management of the Re:Imagine pop-up store and has supported the brands at every stage of the process.
Derry City Business and Strabane District Council Chief Kevin O’Connor explained the thinking behind the initiative.
“The purpose of the pop-up stores is to ‘Re:Imagine’ the main street and the use of empty spaces,” he said.
“It seeks to take a fresh look at how they source with ethical practices and local engagement to bring a new shopping experience to customers through local events.
Participants in the Re:Imagine Pop initiative were congratulated by the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councilor Sandra Duffy for collecting the 2022 Drapers Independent ‘Community Champion’ Award. From left to right: Elaine Duffy, Vintage Star owner, Fergal Rafferty, Foyleside Shopping Center Manager, Siobhan Corr, Owner Celtic Irish Art, Joanne Doherty, Owner Piece Makers, Leeann Doherty, Derry City Business Director and Strabane District Council. Front: Deirdre Williams, Inner City Trusts Fashion Textile and Design Centre.
“The merchants have worked well together to create a unique and innovative retail experience and this award is just recognition of their dedicated efforts.”
The other shortlisted candidates for the Community Champion title were Humes Outfitters in Scotland and Jon Ian in Cardiff, Wales.
The full list of award winners can be viewed at drapersonline.com.
For more details on how the City of Derry and Strabane District Council business support team can help existing, new and prospective businesses, visit derrystrabane.com/businesssupport
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