A South Derbyshire fashion store is celebrating after being shortlisted for two national awards, just weeks after celebrating its first anniversary.

Eighty Seven, in Melbourne, has been shortlisted for Best Customer Experience and Best New Business at the Drapers Independent Awards 2017.

The store, owned by Amy Cook, stocks unique clothing by top designers, varying from foreign brands to the popular jeweller Alex Monroe, whose designs can be hard to track down in the UK.

Amy is also well-known for her unusual shop window displays, as she works hard to create interesting and effective displays to turn the heads of shoppers, she says.

A fantasy themed shop window display at Eighty Seven
A fantasy themed shop window display at Eighty Seven

Amy said: “I didn't think I would make the shortlist, especially with being only a year old.

"I entered because the review process used by Drapers can be of real help to new businesses. They ask quite probing questions and really make you think about your business. I wanted that, without even thinking of actually being shortlisted. It's fantastic!"

Amy was thrilled when she heard she had been shortlisted, adding: “The two categories we are finalists in mean a lot to me, particular best customer experience as it’s something which is at the core of what makes Eighty Seven so unique and an area I’m always looking to ensure is of the highest standard. I want every customer that walks into my store to walk out feeling great.”

Kirsty McGregor, deputy editor of Drapers, said: “There businesses never fail to impress us with their exceptionally high standard of customer service, store design, brand mix and the overall experience they offer. This year the calibre of entries was extremely high, which is remarkable given the tough trading environment. It demonstrates the wealth of talent and innovation across the independent sector.

“Congratulations to all of those who have been shortlisted. Our panel of judges now has the tough job of choosing the winners.”

The winners of the Drapers Independent Awards 2017 will be announced at a black-tie gala dinner at the Brewery in London, on September, 13.

This year's awards are the 27th in a series that stretches back all the way to a modest celebration lunch in 1990. The original idea – in a time of particularly tough economic conditions – was to highlight and celebrate the best of independent fashion retailing.