We’re thrilled to announce that our resident cookware store, Abraxas Cookshop are finalists in four categories of The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2016 – the ‘Oscars’ of the housewares industry.
The shop is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary since opening its doors at Heart of the Shires in 1996. The news comes after the store recently hosted a successful cake competition judged by Bake Off winner Frances Quinn – and they are finding it hard to contain their excitement!
Last year Abraxas was a finalist in one category, but this year they have reached new heights by establishing themselves in four separate categories:
Excellence in Retail Display – Independent Category
Excellence in Specialist Retailing – Multiples and Large Independents
Retail Employee of the Year – Maureen Craig, manager at Abraxas, Weedon
Cook & Housewares Retailer of the Year
The shop will be in good company at the awards ceremony with familiar names such as Amazon, John Lewis, Dunelm, Fenwick also nominated.
Jo Howard, editor of Progressive Housewares magazine, organisers of the awards, commented: “It is important to celebrate and reward outstanding and proactive housewares retailers from across the retail spectrum. There was an unprecedented level of competition this year, and the high calibre of all of our finalists goes to show how retailers are upping their game to provide service and customer experience.”
Since opening at Heart of the Shires shopping village, Abraxas has expanded to open shops in Rugby, Banbury and Northampton town centre. The cookshops stock a range of high-end kitchenware brands including Emma Bridgewater, Le Creuset and Robert Welch.
Everyone here at Heart of the Shires has their fingers crossed for success when the winners are announced at the awards ball on October 5th in London. This recognition must certainly make all of their hard work worth it.
Come and see what all the fuss is about. Abraxas Cookshop and our other 22 independent stores are open 10-5 daily.
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