A business idea offering several small businesses a place on Derry's high street is celebrating being shortlisted for a North West Business Awards.
The RE:IMAGINE initiative is in contention for the Retailer of the Year title despite only opening its doors earlier this year.
A pilot programme consisting of 11 traders, the pop-up shop in Derry's Foyleside offers an eclectic range of clothing, skincare, accessories and gifts.
Read more: NI city to be reimagined with outdoor seating, road closures and dining areas
RE:IMAGINE was born from a collaboration between the Fashion and Textile Design Centre who are supported by the Inner City Trust, Derry City and Strabane District Council and Foyleside Shopping centre.
The hub, designed and fitted by Sarah McNabb, is opened seven days a week during normal Foyleside opening hours.
Businesses within the space went through a "Dragon's Den" audition-type process and worked hard for their chance to trade in the heart of the city centre.
Each business has its own story to tell, and no two are the same.
Four additional providers have since joined the project which aims to allow local providers to showcase their products in a busy trading space and offer a stepping stone towards opening their stores.
The North West Business Awards are hosted by the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and aim to recognise and celebrate the achievements of businesses in the North West region.
The Retailer of the Year title seeks to reward businesses who have gone the extra mile to build their organisation around the needs of their target audience and are focused on delivering excellence in their retail environment.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy, congratulated the collective on their early success.
"The Re:Imagine project has already proven a successful launch pad for up and coming start-ups and the public have shown their support for the initiative by visiting and buying in large numbers since it opened in March," she said.
"They are clearly fulfilling their aim of offering something new to customers whilst 're-imaging' the high street with local, sustainable and organic products and clothes.
"Sincere congratulations to them on being shortlisted in this category and good luck to all the nominees – they are certainly in prestigious company."
The other nominees in the category are Ferry Clever and Vogue Car Sales, a full list of categories and nominees are available on the Chamber website at HERE.
Read more: New mural of Derry City legend James McClean unveiled
Read more: Charity gets funding to help 'transform' people recovering from addiction
To get the latest breaking news from Co Derry straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
