THE team at Whitstone Stores is celebrating after it was announced the village shop has been recognised as one of the top independent stores in the UK.

The announcement follows an in-store assessment by the Independent Achievers Academy (IAA).

The store was recently refurbished and extended to include a new cafe and village pub. Now known as ‘Premier Whitstone Village Stores and Cafe Lounge Bar’, it was named on the IAA ‘Top 100’ list, which celebrates the continuing success of independent shops across the UK. The assessment is based on shops achieving excellence in serving their local shopper across 12 core principles of retailing.

Shop owner, Dan Cock, said: “I’m over the moon to make the IAA Top 100. Me and my team listened to our customers and have since worked hard to achieve this, and its great to be recognised for providing a service to our community. I can’t wait to share the news with our customers!”

Nick Shanagher, Newtrade managing director, said: “Top retailers use their symbol and franchise deals to provide a compelling consumer offer on cost, choice and convenience. But on top they are giving shoppers the control they need, with 95% offering e-pay facilities like contactless. And they also deliver a brilliant in-store experience, confirmed by REL Field Marketing, which is what today’s shopper needs from a brick and mortar outlet.

“The Top 100 list recognises the hard work of the family business owners and their staff which consumers repeatedly say they want to find in local stores. With our partners, the IAA benchmarking helps with the simple, small, smart things that make a difference so they can compete with the chain stores and Amazon.”

A short list of shops will be announced on Monday, September 11, which will be judged by a panel comprising the editors of RN and Retail Express and 12 leading industry experts.

There will be 12 category stars and an overall best shop revealed at the IAA gala dinner on Wednesday, November 29, in London.

For a full list of the IAA Top 100 retailers in the UK visit betterRetailing.com/IAA/Top-100