The Footwear Industry Awards 2019 is underway and with entries now open, outstanding brands, retailers and individuals from across the sector are invited to put themselves in the running for a prestigious accolade.
Entering couldn’t be simpler; the online form available on the new Footwear Industry Awards website allows companies to submit an entry in one or multiple categories in just a matter of minutes. Nominations are also greatly encouraged, so companies can shine a spotlight on the incredible brands or retailers that they work with using the same online form.
Click here to submit an entry or make a nomination
Find your perfect fit
With the awards scheme serving such a vibrant and diverse industry, its categories have been designed to reflect the full breadth of sector – for both retailers and brands.
Independent retailers can compete to be recognised as the very best specialising in men’s, ladies’, children’s, fashion, family and outdoor footwear – in addition to awards for the finest up-and-coming retailer that has been established within the last three years and the leading independent footwear retailer with five or more stores in the UK and/or Northern Ireland/Eire.
The hotly-contested Shopfront of the Year award also returns for the 2019 cycle, giving footwear retailers an opportunity to showcase the window displays that demonstrate their creative abilities.
There are also awards to recognise the most outstanding men’s, ladies’, children’s, outdoor, fashion, accessories and shoecare brands – and the coveted title of ‘Footwear Brand of the Year’.
A brand new introduction for the 2019 edition of the Made In Britain Footwear – Export Growth Award. This award has been designed in partnership with the British Footwear Association (BFA), and will be presented to the British footwear manufacturer showing the biggest verifiable year-on-year (YOY) percentage increase in terms of value of export sales.
Brands that wish to enter this category will be required to submit a short supporting statement, covering: How did they select their target markets? Their Channel Strategy – Route to Market – terrestrial or online retail. What are the key brand attributes/ USP they used to break into their chosen markets? What is the main reason for their export success?
All entries for the Made In Britain Footwear – Export Growth Award will be judged by the BFA, which will serve as the sole decision-maker on who the inaugural winner of this award will be.
As ever, the Footwear Industry Awards will also recognise the lifeblood of the footwear sector – the individuals that are crucial to its success. The industry awards that are up for grabs this year are the Platinum Shoe Award, Leader in Customer Service, Footwear Designer of the Year, Personality of the Year and Student Shoefitter of the Year.
Entries and nominations will close on Friday 19 October (excluding Shopfront of the Year, which will have an extended deadline of Friday 11 January) – so those that wish to be in the running are encouraged to submit their entry now.
Supported by industry
The Footwear Industry Awards is supported by the British Footwear Association (BFA), Footwear Friends and The Society of Shoe Fitters (SSF), and has received the early backing of Legero/Superfit and Cherry Blossom.
Sponsoring the Awards is a unique way for brands to show their support for industry excellence while enjoying the spotlight that the scheme provides. For further information on the bespoke sponsorship packages available, contact Sue Wiseman on 01622 699185 or at swiseman@datateam.co.uk.
To find out more about The Footwear Industry Awards visit www.footwearindustryawards.co.uk.