High Street jewellers wins Yarmouth's best shop front award

Five hundred premises from across a range of businesses competed, but judges from the town's Civic Society were won over by the Market Gates shopping centre branch of Warren James.

Sales assistant Gabija Dambrauskaite said winning the award for a second time was "as much of an honour as the first".

"We are very proud of our shop and strive to make sure everything looks amazing," she said.

"To come first out of 500 other shops makes us all very proud."

Mia and Gabija from the Great Yarmouth branch of Warren James. (Image: James Weeds) Ms Dambrauskaite said while trade at the jewellers has been steady, business has recently picked up as more "lovely holidaymakers" have made their way to the town.

Judges were anonymous and marks were given for the general appearance of the building, its cleanliness, the window display and the pavement outside down to and including the pavement.

The awards were presented by the mayor on July 11 at a ceremony inside the Town Hall Assembly Room.

Mayor Paula Waters-Bunn with the winners of the various categories. (Image: Civic Society of Great Yarmouth) While the Warren James branch won overall winner and best national retailer, tropical fish shop Reef Gems won best independent retailer, the Troll Cart won best national food and drink chain and Market Row Kitchen won best independent food and drink business.

Specsavers picked up the win for services and Stattoos on Regent Street won best personal services.

Jack's Flower Stall won the award for best market stall and the new covered market won the special award.

Mayor Paula Waters-Bunn presenting the award for the best stallholders, Jack’s The Florist. (Image: Civic Society of Great Yarmouth) The awards were presented by the mayor Paula Waters-Bunn.

Great Yarmouth Civic Society chairman Hugh Sturzaker said the awards acknowledge the work done by many shops, businesses and market stallholders in making their premises stand out.

"It is essential for each and everyone to work together to improve the appearance of the town and show pride in it," he said.  

"This will make the place look so much better and will encourage more visitors to the benefit of all businesses."

The award sponsors are Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Town Centre Partnership, Dr Ajay Kumar and Ian McCreadie.

Some members of the organising team with Great Yarmouth High Steward and Civic Society president Henry Cator (second left). (Image: Civic Society of Great Yarmouth)