Top of the Shops
Judging took place yesterday for the ‘best tradestands’, with prizes awarded in three categories; best Pavilion stand, best Village stand and best Food stand. Ringing the changes this year, an anonymous expert decided the winners.
Rebel Roses in the Burghley Lifestyle pavilion caught the judge's eye with its display of beautiful faux flower arrangements and single stems. Our mystery shopper commented: “It really had the wow factor. The flowers were beautifully arranged and a lot of trouble had been taken to utilise a variety of vases.”
Rebel Roses is based in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, and the company has also opened a shop in Belgravia, London, stocking its best-selling single stems.
Runner-up in this category was Watch This Space, which trades under the name, The Jewellery Stop. Situated in the bottom Rural Crafts marquee the judge selected this company because “so much effort and care had been taken to set up the stand to great effect”.
Watch This Space makes resin jewellery complimented by an array of scarves. Its mission is to provide affordable, unique designs using a variety of natural materials encapsulated in resin in the season's must-have colours.
Of the Shopping Village stands vying for attention, Club Matters (C10), caught the judge's eye. Staff were described as “friendly, polite and knowledgeable”, while the visual merchandising and display cases were “interesting and quirky”. The company specialises in stunning table mats.
Runner-up in this category was So Cosy (C13), which produces luxury handcrafted homeware and fashion accessories. The team on the beautifully laid out stand were complimented on their knowledge and approachability.
The final category for our 'secret shopper' was for Food Walk exhibits. This was won by DemiJohn, an award-winning family business. Founded in 2004 in Edinburgh's Old Town as the world's first liquid deli it has eco-credentials, offering a refill service for all products.
The judge commented: “The products are absolutely delicious, simple and organic; there was no plastic anywhere and the staff are passionate about what they sell.”
Runner up to DemiJohn was The Gift of Oil. Over twenty years ago, founder Phil Bianchi fell in love with the Mediterranean way of life and now offers an exceptional range of artisan oils and balsamics. The staff had a great back story and, but for the two-for-one sign, could have been the winner.