Why enter

The independent sector has braved many challenges over the past couple of years, grappling with everything from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic to devastating floods. These awards celebrate the very best in the independent fashion retailing sector and identify the outstanding independents breathing life and creativity into high streets across the UK and Ireland. Winning one of these coveted awards marks your business out as a leader in the independent sector and ensures national recognition for you and your team.

Eligibility to enter in 2023

Independent fashion retailers

Small businesses, privately owned (typically by a sole proprietor, but could be a partnership) and run by the owner(s). Operating up to 12 multi-brand stores and/or a multi-brand website. Meets one or more of the following criteria: annual turnover of no more than £10.2m; assets worth no more than £5.1m; 50 or fewer employees. Must be based in the UK and/or Ireland and stock fashion (womenswear/menswear/kidswear or a mix – please refer to the individual category criteria). Footwear retailers should enter the Drapers Footwear Awards.

Wholesale brands/agents

Our brand and agency/distributor entrants can be larger businesses (with turnover greater than £10.2m) but they must be able to demonstrate that the majority of their clients are independent retailers, according to the criteria set out above. They must operate in the UK and/or Ireland and produce/distribute fashion (womenswear/menswear/kidswear or a mix – please refer to the individual category criteria). Brands that sell direct to consumer can enter, as long as they also wholesale to independents. Footwear brands should enter the Drapers Footwear Awards.

Entry process

Drapers Independents Awards are free to enter.

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)203 953 2191 or via abs.inshal@emap.com.

FAQs

Hopefully, you'll find an answer to your question below. If not, please contact Abs Inshal on +44 (0)203 953 2191 or via abs.inshal@emap.com.

Q. How can I view the criteria before entering?

A. To view the criteria, create your account , or log in with your email and password used to create your account if you have already done so. Select ‘Enter Now’ against the category you wish to view where the criteria will be displayed. If you wish to start your entry at this point, any information you add will be autosaved and you can log in to complete the rest of the entry at any time.

Q. How do I log back in to work on my un-submitted entry?

A. Enter the email address and password that you used when you first started your entry on the log in page, you will then be taken through to your dashboard and will be able to continue your entry.

Q. How do I enter more than one category?

A. You can enter another category by selecting the category you wish to enter from the ‘Categories’ section.

Q. I am still having trouble entering

A. Please contact Abs Inshal on +44 (0)203 953 2191 or via abs.inshal@emap.com and they will be able to help you with your entry.