Retail NI has today announced the shortlist of finalists for this year’s High Street Hero Awards, with the winners set to be revealed at a celebration event on Wednesday 23 September at the Belfast Harbour Commissioners.
Shoppers from across Northern Ireland have once again shown strong support by voting for their favourite independent retailers and local high streets in this year’s campaign.
Among the top honours, Dromore, Ballycastle, and Newcastle have been shortlisted for High Street of the Year, with several new businesses reaching the final for the very first time.
Organised by Retail NI in partnership with National Lottery operator Allwyn, SSE Airtricity and Gig Grafter, the High Street Heroes campaign is a celebration of the businesses that sit at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland.
Unlike traditional awards programmes, High Street Heroes is driven entirely by public support. There are no judging panels. Local people vote for their favourites across thirteen categories, covering everything from food and drink to fashion and essential services.
Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI, said:
“These awards are truly powered by the public, which makes them incredibly special. Local people have once again rallied behind their high streets and independent retailers.
“Congratulations to all those who have made the shortlist. These businesses do so much to support local communities and keep our high streets vibrant, welcoming places to shop and socialise.”
Retail NI is encouraging all shortlisted businesses to celebrate their achievement and continue championing their role in the future of the high street.
Retail NI has today launched a new Best Neighbourhood Police Officer Award as part of its annual High Street Heroes Awards, with voting opening to Retail NI members and local traders.
The new award recognises the vital role neighbourhood police officers play in supporting retailers and helping to keep high streets safe for businesses, staff and customers.
Online voting for High Street Hero Awards opens today for the whole of August.
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
"We are delighted to introduce this new award as part of High Street Heroes. Neighbourhood Police Officers play an invaluable role in keeping our members, their staff and customers safe across our villages, towns and cities.
"Neighbourhood policing teams are on the frontline in tackling crime on our high streets. Through this award, we want to recognise their commitment, professionalism and the positive contribution they make to local communities and businesses every day."
Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said
“Our retail sector is at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland. Retail staff provide an essential service, often working long hours while dealing with a wide range of challenges, including abuse, theft and antisocial behaviour. They deserve to feel safe and supported at work.”
“I am delighted by the introduction of a dedicated High Street Heroes NI Neighbourhood Police Officer of the Year Awards, and I encourage you to make a nomination in this category. Your local Neighbourhood police officers are critical in strengthening relationships with businesses, listening to their concerns and working in partnership to prevent crime and improve safety. By building trust, sharing information and working together, we can help create safer places for people to work, shop and visit.”
Voting is now officially open for the Retail NI High Street Heroes 2026 awards, and we're inviting retailers across Northern Ireland to help spread the word.
No judges. No panels. Just the public's vote.
At High Street Heroes, the winners are chosen entirely through an open online public vote because no one knows great local businesses better than the customers who support them every day.
This year's awards feature 15 exciting categories, recognising the outstanding independent retailers and high streets that make Northern Ireland's towns and villages so special.
Among the campaign's most prestigious awards are:
As Northern Ireland's largest celebration of independent retail, High Street Heroes shines a spotlight on the businesses that deliver exceptional customer service, strengthen local communities and play a vital role in our economy.
Download Campaign Resources
Help your customers support your business by promoting the campaign in-store and online.
Download our free campaign resources below:
Retail NI Member Resources | Support for Members
Cast Your Vote
Voting is now open, and we'd love your support.
Vote here: www.belfastlive.co.uk/hsh
Did You Know?
For every £1 spent with a local independent retailer, around 70p is reinvested back into the local economy, supporting local jobs, farmers, producers, makers and the communities we all call home.
Every vote helps recognise the businesses that go the extra mile and encourages people to continue supporting independent retail.
Support local. Celebrate excellence. Cast your vote today.
High Street Heroes 2026 is proudly supported by our fantastic sponsors, whose continued commitment helps us celebrate the very best of independent retail across Northern Ireland.
The search is on to find Northern Ireland’s favourite local independent retailers, high streets and retail teams, as Retail NI officially launches the High Street Hero Awards 2026.
The annual awards give the public the chance to celebrate the local businesses and people who go above and beyond for their communities every day.
Whether it’s the butcher who knows every customer by name, the coffee shop that brings people together, the convenience store that keeps a village connected, the post office providing essential local services, or the high street that remains the heart of a town, High Street Heroes is a chance to give them the recognition they deserve.
The awards are powered by Retail NI and decided by public vote, with shoppers, customers and local communities encouraged to nominate their favourite businesses and help showcase the very best of Northern Ireland’s independent retail sector.
A record number ofvotes were cast last year, highlighting the strength of public support for local retail across Northern Ireland. In 2025, Coleraine was named High Street of the Year, while Greens of Lisburn took home the Overall Independent Retailer Award. The business also celebrated further success, with Richard Kyle of Greens of Lisburn named Independent Retail Employee of the Year.
This year’s awards include two new categories: Best Post Office and Neighbourhood Policing Team of the Year, recognising the essential services and local partnerships that help keep high streets strong, safe and vibrant.
Launching the awards, Glyn Roberts, Retail NI Chief Executive, said:
“Independent retailers are the lifeblood of communities right across Northern Ireland, and High Street Heroes is our chance to celebrate the businesses, people and places that keep our high streets thriving.
“These awards are different because they are decided by the public. There are no judges. It is local shoppers, customers and communities who decide who deserves to be recognised.
“We want people in every part of Northern Ireland to get involved. Whether your High Street Hero is a family-run butcher, a brilliant bakery, a much-loved convenience store, a local fashion retailer, a neighbourhood post office or a high street that brings the whole community together, now is the time to nominate them.
“This year, we are also proud to introduce new awards recognising the role of post offices and neighbourhood police officers. Retailers are facing significant pressures, from rising costs to retail crime, and it is important that we recognise not only the businesses themselves, but also the people and services that help keep local high streets strong, safe and vibrant.
“From Portaferry to Pomeroy, Newry to Newtownabbey and Strabane to Scarva, we want to see nominations from every town, village and city across Northern Ireland. If there is a local retailer you value, now is the time to show your support.”
Speaking at the launch, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA said:
“Our retailers are at the heart of our communities, supporting jobs, delivering essential services and helping our local economies thrive.
“Despite the challenges they face, retailers continue to show remarkable resilience, innovation and dedication every day.
“Now is your chance to recognise and celebrate the businesses that make a real difference. Good luck to all the nominees, and don't forget to vote for your favourite High Street Hero today.”
The High Street Heroes NI Awards are supported by National Lottery operator Allwyn, media partner Belfast Live, SSE Airtricity and GigGrafter.
Bridget Lea, Allwyn’s Managing Director for Retail, said:
“On behalf of everyone at Allwyn, we are honoured to sponsor this year's High Street Heroes campaign. Retail is hugely important for The National Lottery. We're proud to be fully supported in stores across Northern Ireland and we'd like to thank all National Lottery retailers for their crucial role in helping raise £33 million for Good Causes every week.
“Helping highlight, recognise and celebrate the huge contribution independent retailers make to their local communities across Northern Ireland is something we feel very passionate about.”
Stephen Gallagher, Managing Director of SSE Airtricity, said:
“Small businesses are at the heart of our communities, and we’re passionate about helping them succeed. This is the third year SSE Airtricity has proudly supported the High Street Heroes Awards, and we continue to be inspired by the resilience, innovation and dedication shown by independent retailers across Northern Ireland.”
“These awards celebrate the positive difference local businesses make every day, strengthening local economies, supporting sustainable communities and helping create places where people can live, work and thrive.”
The 2026 High Street Heroes Awards will be hosted on the 23rd September 2026.
The High Street Hero Award categories are:
This year's High Street Heroes launch video is now live: https://youtu.be/vwkH6WgC0wM?si=5kZdw7R2HX3NHCCY
Retail NI, in partnership with National Lottery operator Allwyn, SSE Airtricity and Gig Grafter, is delighted to announce the winners of the High Street Heroes 2025 Awards. The celebration event took place on Thursday 21 August at the Game of Thrones Studio, Banbridge, where finalists came together to honour this year’s champions of Northern Ireland’s independent retail sector.
Unlike many awards decided behind closed doors, High Street Heroes is driven entirely by public votes, with thousands of local people having their say to recognise the businesses that make their high streets truly special.
Coleraine has been named “High Street of the Year.” Greens of Lisburn has won the “Overall Independent Retailer Award” for 2025 and Richard Kyle of Greens of Lisburn has been named “Independent Retail Employee of the Year.”
Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI, said:
“These awards are truly powered by the public, which makes them incredibly special. Our 2025 winners represent the heart and soul of Northern Ireland’s high streets, businesses that demonstrate exceptional customer service, community spirit and entrepreneurial pride. Independent retail is the lifeblood of our towns and villages. These businesses employ people locally, support supply chains, and give communities character. Congratulations to every winner. Your success tells the story of resilience, innovation and local leadership.”
Andria Vidler, Chief Executive Officer at Allwyn, said:
“Allwyn is proud to champion Northern Ireland’s High Street Heroes again this year. We understand the importance of high streets and their value at the heart of their communities. Allwyn works with 1,500 retail partners across Northern Ireland, the majority of which are independent stores. Selling National Lottery tickets not only creates footfall and associated sales, but it also generates millions in retail commission each year. Retailers across the UK help raise over £30 million a week for Good Causes, and since 1994, over £1.6 billion of National Lottery funding has supported 35,000 projects in Northern Ireland. We are looking forward to celebrating both the winners and nominees in this year's awards.”
Angeline Murphy, Branding and Advertising Manager at SSE Airtricity, said:
“We at SSE Airtricity would like to extend our congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Retail NI High Street Heroes Awards. These awards are an important showcase of excellence across Northern Ireland, shining a spotlight on the success of local retailers who go above and beyond for their communities.
“SSE Airtricity supplies thousands of businesses right across the province, and as an established and trusted energy partner, we’re empowering our customers to switch to cleaner, greener energy supply and solutions - helping them make their businesses more sustainable and continue the road to net zero.
“Sustainability and community are at the core of what we do at SSE Airtricity. Supporting local businesses that reflect these values makes perfect sense, and we’re proud to be part of this inspiring initiative.”
Ciaran Lynch, Director at Gig Grafter, said:
“We’re passionate about helping small businesses thrive, and High Street Heroes is the perfect platform to showcase the dedication, creativity and resilience that define Northern Ireland’s independent retailers. These awards shine a light on the people and businesses whose hard work not only drives their own success but also strengthens our local economies and communities. We’re thrilled to support this celebration and to champion the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps our high streets vibrant and full of character.”
The High Street Heroes campaign is a celebration of the businesses that sit at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland. Unlike traditional awards programmes, High Street Heroes is driven entirely by public votes. There are no judging panels, with local people choosing their favourites across thirteen categories.
Celebrating the local businesses that keep our high streets thriving
Retail NI has today announced the shortlist of finalists for this year’s High Street Hero Awards, with the winners set to be revealed at a celebration event on Thursday 21 August at the Game of Thrones Studio in Banbridge.
Shoppers from across Northern Ireland have once again shown strong support by voting for their favourite independent retailers and local high streets in this year’s campaign.
Among the top honours, Dromore], Lisburn, and Coleraine have been shortlisted for High Street of the Year, with several new businesses reaching the final for the very first time.
Organised by Retail NI in partnership with National Lottery operator Allwyn, SSE Airtricity and Gig Grafter, the High Street Heroes campaign is a celebration of the businesses that sit at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland.
Unlike traditional awards programmes, High Street Heroes is driven entirely by public support. There are no judging panels. Local people vote for their favourites across thirteen categories, covering everything from food and drink to fashion and essential services.
Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI, said:
“These awards are truly powered by the public, which makes them incredibly special. Local people have once again rallied behind their high streets and independent retailers.
“Congratulations to all those who have made the shortlist. These businesses do so much to support local communities and keep our high streets vibrant, welcoming places to shop and socialise.”
Retail NI is encouraging all shortlisted businesses to celebrate their achievement and continue championing their role in the future of the high street.
Retail NI’s annual High Street Heroes campaign returns for 2025, offering a unique opportunity to honour Northern Ireland’s outstanding independent retailers and vibrant high streets.
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“The High Street Heroes NI campaign continues to grow from strength to strength, with a record-breaking 15,000 votes cast last year. Our high streets are more than shopping destinations. They are vital centres of employment, entrepreneurship and community life.
“Independent retail is the lifeblood of communities right across Northern Ireland, and this campaign is the biggest celebration of our thriving local retail sector. This year, we are preparing to host our biggest ever showcase and a major celebration of the individual businesses that form the beating heart of our towns and cities.
“Retail NI is delighted to collaborate with Translink to amplify the campaign’s visibility and to recognise the vital role public transport plays in connecting people to their local high streets.”
In partnership with National Lottery operator, Allwyn, SSE Airtricity and Gig Grafter, Retail NI has officially launched the High Street Heroes NI 2025 campaign. The initiative is a celebration of the businesses that are at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland.
Unlike traditional awards programmes, High Street Heroes is entirely driven by the public. There are no judging panels. Local people are invited to vote for their favourite businesses across 13 categories, ranging from food and drink to fashion and essential services.
Voting opens on Friday 4th July. This symbolic date marks the independence and resilience of local trade. Among the top honours are High Street of the Year and Independent Retailer of the Year. These awards recognise excellence in customer service, sustainability, innovation and community impact.
Welcoming the campaign, Angeline Murphy, Branding and Advertising Manager at SSE Airtricity, highlighted the alignment with their sustainability values:
“Sustainability and community are at the core of what we do at SSE Airtricity. Supporting local businesses that reflect these values makes perfect sense, and we’re proud to be part of this inspiring initiative.”
Allwyn's Chief Executive Officer, Andria Vidler, said: “We’re proud to champion High Street Heroes NI again this year. It’s an honour to celebrate Northern Ireland’s High Street Heroes once more and commend the local retailers who make their communities truly special places to live. We work with 1,500 retail partners across Northern Ireland – most of them independent stores. These businesses help raise over £30 million a week for Good Causes and earn vital sales commission that supports their own operations. Since 1994, over £1.5 billion of National Lottery funding has supported thousands of projects in Northern Ireland. It's clear that we understand more than most their importance to high streets and communities, and we're looking forward to celebrating both the winners and nominees in this year's awards."
Reinforcing their commitment to local enterprise, Ciaran Lynch, Director at Gig Grafter, said:
“We’re passionate about helping small businesses thrive. High Street Heroes highlights the best of Northern Ireland’s entrepreneurial spirit, and we’re thrilled to support it again this year.”
A new element introduced this year is the Winners Hall of Fame. This feature will honour businesses that have consistently won their categories since the campaign began in 2020. These former winners will now be permanently recognised and will step aside from this year’s competition, making room for new local heroes to shine.
The economic value of shopping local is clear. For every £1 spent at an independent retailer, 70p stays in the local economy. That money supports farmers, producers, jobs and neighbourhood vibrancy.
Shortlisted finalists will be announced in early August. The campaign will conclude with a celebration event on Thursday 21st August 2025..
To cast your vote or find out more, visit www.belfastlive.co.uk/hsh
Our Awards Put the Power in Your Hands
No judges. No panels. Just your voice.
At High Street Heroes NI, it’s the public who decides the winners through an open online vote — because no one knows local favourites better than the customers themselves.
Voting opens on 1st July 2025!
You’ll have the chance to vote for your favourite independent retailers across 12 exciting categories.
Among the most celebrated awards are:
High Street Heroes NI is the largest celebration of Northern Ireland’s outstanding independent retailers — shining a spotlight on their world-class service, community spirit, and vital role in our local economy.
Downloadable resources are available here for Retailers
VOTE HERE High Street Heroes 2025: Voting now open | Belfast Live
Did you know?
For every £1 spent with a local independent retailer, around 70p is reinvested back into the local economy — supporting farmers, producers, makers, and the communities we all live in.
Support local. Celebrate excellence. Cast your vote!
Main Sponsors
Category Sponsors
| Best Butcher | |
| Best Coffee Shop | |
| Best Convenience Store | |
| Best Deli/Bakery | |
| Best Fashion Retailer | |
| Best Forecourt | |
| Best Generalist Retailer | |
| Independent Retail Employee of the Year | |
| Best Healthcare Retailer | |
| Best Homeware Retailer | |
| Best Off Licence | |
| High Street of the Year | |
| Overall Independent Retailer |
We’re excited to announce that High Street Heroes 2025 is just around the corner!
Celebrating the very best of our local businesses, High Street Heroes shines a spotlight on the independent retailers and individuals that make our high streets vibrant and vital to our communities. From beloved independent butchers & bakers to off licences and fashion retailers, this annual initiative is your chance to recognize and support the people and places you love most.
Nominations will be opening soon, and we’ll be inviting you to get involved by casting your vote for your High Street Heroes. Whether it’s your go-to café, favorite boutique, or a friendly face behind the counter, this is your opportunity to give them the recognition they truly deserve.
Stay tuned for more details on categories, how to nominate, and the exciting plans we have in store for 2025!
Ballymoney has been named High Street of the Year for a second year in the High Street Hero Northern Ireland Awards, with the town’s fashion store The Winsome Lady also winning the Overall Independent Retailer Award for 2024.
A record 15,000 votes were cast in this year’s High Street Heroes, with dozens of independent retailers shortlisted across 12 Award categories in the showcase of Northern Ireland’s favourite independent retailers. Ballymoney’s high street beat stiff competition from fellow finalists Ballynahinch and Newtownards to claim the top title for a second year running. The Co Antrim town’s Main Street area was rated most popular for its unique shopping offering, including The Winsome Lady. Owned by local businesswoman Winnie Mellett and in business for over 40 years, it was named Best Fashion Retailer and picked up the top accolade overall after receiving the most votes out of any category.
A special reception was held in Belfast City Hall tonight to celebrate the winners from across Northern Ireland, including joint gold winners, Vivo Oakland Park in Carrickfergus and Windmill Stores Ballymacash in Lisburn (Best Convenience Store), and a previous overall winner Bradley's Centra in Maghera (Best Forecourt & Best Off Licence). Richard Kyle from Greens of Lisburn was also recognised as the Independent Retail Employee of the Year.
Finalists were welcomed this evening by Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, who spoke at the ceremony.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Micky Murray, said:
“Congratulations to all of the 2024 High Street Hero winners – it’s clear to see just how valued you are in your communities. And of course, a special mention goes to Ballymoney, for clinching the High Street of the Year Award for the second year in a row – that’s no mean feat!
“Independent retailers boost not only our economy, but also our quality of life, so it’s wonderful to be able to shine the spotlight on those who make our daily lives a little bit easier and brighter as they serve our communities - whether that’s in a bakery, chemist, coffee shop, or another independent retailer. Well done everyone.”
Retail NI Chief Executive, Glyn Roberts said:
“The High Street Heroes Awards celebrate the best and brightest retailers that Northern Ireland has to offer, and this campaign has shown just how valued each one of these independent retailers are in their local communities, especially in Ballymoney where once again voters turned out to see their high street crowned.
“Independent retailers from Derry to Dromore secured a huge number of votes in this year’s awards. These independent retailers are the thought leaders and change makers in their local communities and will play a leading role in shaping 21st Century high streets”
“We should also give a shout out to Richard Kyle, Greens of Lisburn in winning independent retail employee of the year, highlighting the crucial our members staff play in the success of their business”.
The High Street Hero NI Awards are a joint initiative powered by Retail NI and supported National Lottery operator Allwyn, SSE Airtricity, Roam Local NI and media partner Belfast Live.
Allwyn’s Chief Executive Officer, Andria Vidler, said:
“We’re delighted to have been part of this celebration of independent retailers. Independent retailers have an incredibly positive impact on their local communities through their hard work, their constant local high street presence, and – for many – through selling The National Lottery in their stores and helping to raise over £30 million each week for projects across the UK, including projects on their doorstep. Congratulations to this year's winners and nominees!"
Andrew Greer, General Manager of SSE Airtricity Northern Ireland said:
“We at SSE Airtricity would like to extend our congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Retail NI High Street Hero awards. These awards are an important showcase of excellence across Northern Ireland, shining a spotlight on the success of local retailers who go above and beyond for their communities. We are incredibly proud to support an initiative that celebrates the businesses and individuals driving positive change on our high streets.
“With over 300,000 domestic and business customers across Northern Ireland, our commitment to supporting local communities remains unwavering. We wish our local high street heroes continued success as they keep our high streets vibrant and thriving in towns, cities, and villages across Northern Ireland."
Andrew Bartlett, Founder of Roam Local NI said:
“Celebrating the winners of the Retail NI High Street Heroes awards is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our local businesses. These champions of the high street have not only contributed to the vibrancy of our communities but have also shown outstanding innovation and service.
“Their achievements inspire us all and highlight the critical role independent retailers play in Northern Ireland's economy."
The wait is now over, and Retail NI has published the shortlist of finalists in this years High Street Hero Awards. The Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony on 21st August in Belfast City Hall.
Ballynahinch, Ballymoney and Newtownards have been shortlisted for High Street of the Year, with many new businesses across the categories, making it to the final for the first time.
Over 15,000 consumers voted in the online poll for their favourite independent retailers and high street, up from 12,000 in 2023.
Voting for High Street Heroes 2024 ran from 1st July 2024 to 31st July 2024.
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“Our awards are different - they are a public vote, with no judges and it is local consumers deciding who wins”.
“We are delighted at the huge response from the fifteen thousand consumers who took the time to vote for their favourite independent retailer and high street. This an increase of 25% on last year’s voting.”
“Congratulations to all those businesses who made it on to the shortlist. They do so much to serve the community and ensure that the local high street is still a thriving place to shop and socialise”.
Voting has now officially opened for this year’s High Street Hero Awards, which will showcase the very best independent retailers and high street in Northern Ireland.
You can nominate your favourite business from 1 July 2024 up until 31st July 2024. It is the perfect opportunity to recognise the independent retailers who are going above and beyond to serve the community and ensure that the local high street is still a thriving place to shop and socialise.
Whether your High Street Hero is your favourite butcher, baker, or barista, they will all be showcased across 13 different categories including convenience store, deli, butcher, off licence and more, with the business who receives the most votes also named Overall Independent Retailer.
A record 12,000 votes were cast last year to determine who was crowned Northern Ireland’s retail elite last year. The Co Antrim town of Ballymoney was named High Street of The Year for 2023 in a tight race with Belfast’s Shankill Road and Newtownards.
This campaign will be promoted in an 18 town and city tour of Northern Ireland throughout this month. It is being promoted on 65 bus T-squares and 20 billboards.
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“Independent retail is the lifeblood of communities right across Northern Ireland and our annual High Street Heroes NI campaign represents the biggest celebration of our thriving local retail sector. Our awards are different - they are a public vote, with no judges and it is local consumers deciding who wins”.
“We’re gearing up for another huge showcase event and a massive celebration of the individual businesses who are the beating heart of our many villages, towns, and cities.
“The awards are open to local retailers right across Northern Ireland – Portaferry to Pomeroy, Newry to Newtownabbey and Strabane to Scarva and will identify those local independent retailers who are taking a lead. Whether it’s a local butcher that’s a cut above the rest or fashion retailer with exceptional style, it’s time to vote for your favourite now.”
The 13 High Street Hero Award categories are:
· Retailers can download promotional material from High Street Heroes 2024 - Downloadable Resources | High Street Heroes | Retail NI
