We all love to shop local, and now a brand new category in the Irish Made Awards 2023 is celebrating the shops supporting the makers
Shopping local isn’t a new movement, but between one global pandemic and one big Brexit, it has gained momentum in recent years. Supporting local retailers is not only important to our communities, but small independent shops tend to be huge supporters of Irish-made products. That’s where our brand new category of this year’s Irish Made Awards comes in – the Local Retailer category is about championing the incredible talent we have in Ireland.
Irish Country Magazine are delighted to have the Design and Crafts Council Ireland join forces with us once again as not only co-sponsor of the awards, but also of the Local Retailer Award. Mary Jo Hoyne is the Head of Craft and Education at Design and Crafts Council Ireland: “The creativity, energy and commitment of the businesses highlighted in the Irish Made Awards 2022 was hugely inspiring.
“The addition of awards for local and national retailer categories is an important development reflecting the importance of the channels to out makers. I encourage everyone to make time to enter and I look forward to seeing the exciting new entries in 2023.” Through their Made Local, Made to Last initiative, DCCI highlights retailers all over Ireland. Find out more here.
Which type of businesses can qualify for the new Retail categories?
In 2023, we have introduced two new categories: Local Retailer and National Retailer.
These are open to retailers that have a bricks-and-mortar store on the island of Ireland, and can demonstrate their growing support of Irish-made, by stocking products made in Ireland such as crafts, clothing, food, drinks, homewares, etc. They may have an e-commerce website, but to enter they must have a bricks-and-mortar shop whereby customers can visit and shop for Irish-made goods. They may have other suppliers from international brands, but can demonstrate a strong or growing support of suppliers making products on the island of Ireland.
- Local Retailer: This will be a retailer with one shop.
- National Retailer: This will be a retailer with more than one shop.
Entering the Irish Made Awards 2023? Here are the guidelines to follow
We want to help you to ensure that your entry for the Irish Made Awards 2023 is the best it can be. The points below will answer any questions you may have and steer you in the right direction. Read more about this year’s awards at irishcountrymagazine.ie/awards.
Entry requirement: By entering the Irish Made Awards, please note that your entry will be shared with judges in order to be shortlisted. All shortlisted finalists will be revealed inside the magazine and online in August – please keep a close eye on our social media pages for updates.
