Entertainment Swindon

The winners of this year’s greeting card retailing awards – affectionately known as The Retas – were revealed recently at a sumptuous awards event at The Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair. The lavish event, that this year took on a Beatrix Potter theme, was hosted by comedian and radio presenter, Andrew Ryan and attended by 400 people.

The Retas awards, launched in 2005 by Progressive Greetings Worldwide magazine, recognise excellence across the whole greeting card retailing spectrum, from independents on the high street, to the small groups, national multiples, garden centres, department stores, supermarkets and bookshops.

The UK public spent £1.5 billion on greeting cards last year, with Highworth Emporium beating off the competition to win the Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer in South West award.

Speaking to Aga, owner of Highworth Emporium, she said “This is an amazing achievement and the first ever win for us in Retas. Greeting cards are a big part of our shop and we have reputation now for a good card selection, which our customers say out loud quite often. Being recognised by industry experts however, is something extra special! Something you only dream of.. until it comes true.”

Aga went on to say “As you can imagine we are on cloud nine and totally buzzing.”

“The UK leads the world in greeting cards, which continue to form a vital role in social communication, tangible proof to show you care, in the good and the tough times.  The passion the winners of The Retas 2024 have shown towards maintaining a wonderful selection of greeting cards, covering all occasions and sending needs, as well as commitment to their communities at large, makes them very special indeed,” commented Jakki Brown, managing director of Max Publishing, which owns and organises The Retas.

All the winners in all the retail categories were arrived at as a result of huge industrywide nomination and self-nomination process.

Why not check out Highworth Emporium’s website, and even better still, take a trip to Highworth and check out their store in person! One of things the Highworth Emporium is extremely well known for is their amazing window displays, especially around Halloween, Christmas, Easter and the rest of the years festive seasons. Its well worth taking a trip to the Highworth Emporium just to see the window displays.

Highworth Emporium Website: Click HERE.