Heywood gift shop wins RETAS award

Beverley and John Heyworth of Blue Rose with their RETAS award

A Heywood gift shop has won a National Retail Award for its celebration of the local 1940s day.

Blue Rose Gifts and Balloons was awarded the RETAS Greeting Card Award for ‘Best Greeting Card Retailer Initiative for the 1940s celebration and Armed Forces Day Initiative’ at a special presentation at The Dorchester Hotel in London on Wednesday (11 July).

The RETAS Awards, now in their 14th year, were launched by Progressive Greetings magazine to recognise retailers who have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum, including range of products stocked, customer service offered, shop environment, marketing and competitive edge.

These dedicated awards for retailers have risen immeasurably in status over the last decade and are now universally acknowledged as being true accolades of excellence.

Blue Rose reached the finals of the awards last year – the first time a Heywood retailer has ever reached this stage – before being voted one of the top five greetings card retailers from thousands of shops across the North.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/1/business-news/111353/blue-rose-voted-in-top-five-greeting-card-retailers

During the ever-popular 1940s day this year, Blue Rose went all out with their Rosie the Riveter attire, wartime posters and bootcamp.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/119873/heywood-1940s-day

Owner Beverley Heyworth said: “We would like to say a massive thanks to all the staff, friends, family and our customers. This award is for all of us.

“In the unstable world we are in, when lots of big retailers are closing, I am glad we can bring some good news home for our local high street. Individuality and variety are what builds a community and we are so pleased to be a part of that.”

Blue Rose Gifts and Balloons opened their extended store in 2012 when the Olympic Torch passed through Heywood, selling a variety of products including personalised gifts and balloons.