Nichola Kennedy Optometrist makes Store of Year shortlist
There are five categories in the competition, ranging from stores up to 1,000 sq ft to greater than 10,000 sq ft.
To reach the top 100, all stores in the competition were assessed by a team of expert mystery shoppers during the month ending 4 July.
The selected retail businesses will now undergo a formal store assessment, based on a template which is being supplied to them. The assessment will be based on interior and exterior elements. These will be selected down to the top 50, each of which will receive the REI Mark of Excellence.
The best scoring six stores in each category will progress to the top 30, the finalists, and each will then have an unannounced visit from the Store Assessor for competition to Store of the Year in its category, and the overall National Store of the Year.
The competition has been in place for 16 years and is conducted in association with Barclaycard and Independent News & Media.
