Shortlist for Pure London’s Buyers Power List revealed

Trade show Pure London has named the finalists for its annual Buyers Power List awards, following a month of open nominations via its website.

Covering eight categories from Best Independent Buyer to Best Online Buyer and Best Individual Buyers, the awards aim to showcase the depth and breathe of the UK buying industry working within the fashion and footwear retail industry.

Nominees include buyers from Asos, Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, Topshop, River Island, Debenhams, boohoo.com, and Selfridges, as well as independents such as Donna Ida, Attorney, The Dressing Room, and Pamela Shiffer.

Two of the highly anticipated awards are the Best Independent Buyer/Buying Team, where Bottega and Sister Boutique are up against Javelin, Pamela Shiffer, Scarecrow Boutique, Black White Denim, Havetolove, Couverture, Anne Furbank and Abi Fisher; while Fenwick Bond Street and John Lewis are taking on Jarrold of Norwich, Hoopers, Marks and Spencer, McElhinneys, House of Fraser, Selfridges, Bentalls and Liberty to be crowned Best Department Store Buyer/Buying Team.

The next stage of the competition will request that all of the finalists peer nominate within their respective categories; those with the most votes will be crowned winners at an exclusive drinks reception taking place on August 3 at Olympia London, following the second day of Pure London.

Julie Driscoll, portfolio director for Pure London at i2i Events Group, said: “Once again we have received a fantastic response to the Buyers Power List this season, presented in partnership with WGSN, with the initial nominations process generating a real buzz and conversation among the industry.

“A greater number of entries and hugely positive response to the added categories for menswear and accessories has shone light on the importance of the Buyers Power List as an industry-led competition; the esteemed shortlist is a testament to those buyers and retailers who participated in the voting process.”

Last year saw Topshop, Fenwick, The Dressing Room and Sunday Best among those scooping an award on the night.