After hundreds of votes being cast in Karen's competition to find the best Independent Retailer of the Year, Sheer Elegance pipped runners-up Bibelot and Sweetpea & Boo to the post to be crowned winner. The strong competition from other shops shows just how vibrant the Moorlands' retail scene is.
Gail said of her win:
"I'm so happy to win this competition and I'm very grateful to all my customers who voted."
Karen added:
"I was really pleased to be able to visit Gail at her lovely shop to hand over her well-deserved prize. The response to this competition has been fantastic, so many people have got in touch to show their support for the wonderful range of stores we have, but Sheer Elegance managed to clinch it in the end and I can see why.
"The lingerie on offer here is absolutely beautiful and I would encourage all the ladies - and men - (we had a lot of men voting for Sheer Elegance) to come along and see what you can buy for you or your other half. Congratulations to Gail. I hope she'll be fighting to keep hold of her title next year if I'm re-elected! My team will be getting in touch with the winners of the Alton Towers tickets after the draw very soon."
Other honourable mentions go to Bo-Belles, Handmade by HollyCrow, Melissa-Claire, TOAST, Over the Rainbow, Dougal's Den, Live Love Loaf, Footprints and Meakins Butchers.