St David’s Cardiff and Bonnie & Pearl took the top spot at the 2014 British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) Opal Awards on Thursday (10 April) amongst a competitive retail field.
The South Wales shopping centre and doll retailer won the Pop-up Shop/ Temporary Lets category and went on to receive the coveted Aurora Award, after achieving the highest score across all 14 categories.
Bonnie & Pearl owner, Nicola Evans, said: “We are so excited that, not only are we getting lovely feedback from our customers, the retail industry and our peers also recognise Bonnie & Pearl as a great brand.
“The Bonnie & Pearl family have worked so hard to grow our dolly adventure and we want to thank all of our staff and suppliers. We also need to express our gratitude to the St David’s Cardiff team, who have been incredibly supportive and encouraging as a retail partner.”
The brainchild of the BCSC Commercialisation Committee, the national Opal Awards are a chance to promote the unique commercial brand opportunities available in shopping malls by recognising and showcasing the best examples in the marketplace.
The awards, held at King’s Place, London, focus on successful relationships between shopping centres, retailers, brand agencies and others. The awards were presented by comedian Rob Beckett.
St David’s Cardiff nominated Bonnie & Pearl for the award after the success of its pop-up shop in the centre from November 2013 to January 2014.
Steven Madeley, Centre Director at St David’s Cardiff, said: “We are delighted that one of our best performing, temporary stores has won two prestigious awards. The store did exceptionally well over Christmas within the centre and continues to do so in 2014. These awards are testament to Bonnie & Pearl’s unique offering and the store has been a great addition to us over the past six months.”
Bonnie & Pearl opened its purpose-built pop-up in St David’s Cardiff with a launch for 220 special guests. The shop, built in the style of a child’s dollhouse, attracted over 300 shoppers per day and sold over 250 items each week over the Christmas period.
Judges of the Opal Awards commented: “It’s hard to believe that this is a pop-up. The attention to detail and quality of the shop looks permanent. Truly a unique retail offer that compliments the retail within the shopping centre. What a winner of a pop-up! It’s very well presented, attractive and a real pull for shoppers. The results exceeded expectations.”
Started in September by Nicola and fellow local mother, Lisa Pearce-Bridgeman, Bonnie & Pearl sells handmade dolls and accessories.
The 19” dolls are available in seven different colouring options and come complete with an outfit, bed, soft pillow and adoption certificate.