Are you an independent hero?

The owners of independent fashion retailers across the UK and Ireland, and the brands and agents that supply them, consistently prove their resilience and ability to adapt during turbulent times. Despite significant headwinds, their focus is on doing business better – becoming more responsible, sustainable and digitally savvy, while still offering customers high-quality, beautifully designed product and stellar service.

In 2024, Drapers Independents Awards will celebrate the best in independent fashion retailing through this lens. As the sector adapts to an ever-shifting retail landscape, the awards will recognise those that are innovating to survive, supporting their local communities, and building stronger businesses under the toughest of circumstances.

There are 17 awards this year, including categories for menswear, womenswear and kidswear retailers and brands. We have added a new Best Independent Department Store category, and our individual award category Independent Retail Star of the Year will recognise talent across the industry, irrespective of age or years of service.

Please refer to the definitions of independent retailer/brand/agent here to check you are eligible to enter Drapers Independents Awards, as well as reading the individual category criteria. Footwear brands and retailers should enter the Drapers Footwear Awards.

Direct-to-consumer brands that do not wholesale to independents are kindly encouraged to enter Drapers Awards, as unfortunately they are not eligible to enter Drapers Independents Awards.

Entry process

Each entry is free. The entry deadline is Friday 24 May 2024.

NB: You can save your entry and return to it at any stage of the process.

If you need help with your entry or require any clarification, please contact Abs Inshal on +44 (0)20 3953 2191 or email abs.inshal@emap.com

Countdown to entry deadline