Dike’s wins through to finals of major national award

11/08/09

JUDGES from the prestigious Retail Industry Awards made a trip to the Blackmore Vale last week to discover more about independent supermarket Dike & Son, after it beat thousands of other contenders to a shortlist of just five.

The store, which has been owned and run by the same family since 1851, has already won many accolades since opening its new superstore and cafe in Stalbridge in November 2007.

With its firm commitment to providing locally sourced fresh food and support for local producers, the store’s reputation has grown steadily.

Dike & Son made the shortlist in the Independent Retailer of the Year (3,000 sq ft and over) category, sponsored by Cadbury.

Director Andy Dike said the judge made a short video of the shop during their visit, and asked numerous questions.

“The whole team here at Dike’s worked very hard to make sure the store was looking its best before he arrived - I was so proud of them. The judge showed a lot of interest in our local suppliers, particularly our range of local ciders and ales,” he said.

“Last year we won Best Independent Food Shop in the Blackmore Vale Media Taste of Dorset Awards, which was really special, as it was local recognition from our own customers.

“But in terms of national recognition this is the big one. From thousands of entries from all over the UK, to get to the last five is a real achievement for the team and we are hugely excited.”

The award winners will be announced at a special dinner at the Hurlingham Club in London in October.

ENDS

Picture shows: Director Andy Dike with a bottle of William’s Tipple, brewed by West Country firm Cotleigh and named after his father William Dike.

For more information contact Adam Vincent, Dike & Son Store Manager on 01963 362204 or visit www.dikes-direct.co.uk

Visit www.retailindustryawards.com for more information about the 2009 Retail Industry Awards.

See the story on the Blackmore Vale Magazine website