Autumn Fair International 2014, an i2i Events Group exhibition, will see the launch of the inaugural Buyers Power List awards, to celebrate, reward and recognise the contributions of buyers and retailers throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.
The awards were inspired by the success of the Bering Buyers Power List awards at Jewellery & Watch London and the introduction of the Pure Buyers Power List awards at Pure London – both of which received high commendations from retailers, buyers and brands.
The Buyers Power List awards are unique accolades that are won via an industry-voted nomination system, ensuring an unbiased and democratically-elected group of winners. The first stage of the process is a round of nominations open to the whole industry, followed by a second round of peer nominations in which finalists will be able to rank their peers across each awards category.
The competition will honour buyers from within the UK and Republic of Ireland across six key categories: Best Online Retailer, Best Department Store, Best Individual Buyer, Best Independent Retailer (five stores or less), Best Independent Retailer (six stores or more), and Best Kitchen Dining & Housewares Retailer.
The finalists will then be commended and awarded at the Autumn Fair Buyers Power List awards Champagne Reception, to be held on site at the show, which takes place from 7–10th September at the NEC, Birmingham.
Nick Davison, portfolio director for Autumn Fair International at i2i Events Group, comments: “We are proud and delighted to be launching the Autumn Fair International Buyers Power List awards at the 2014 show. Autumn Fair is the most important retail event of the season and we felt it was high time to recognise the amazing achievements of retailers up and down the UK and Republic of Ireland, who are literally the powerhouse of our industry. We are encouraging as many people as possible to give their favourite retailers the chance to win by casting their votes on the Buyers Power List website.”
The Buyers Power List is now open for nominations.