Itchy Feet Scoops Best Retailer Award

Adventure travel specialists Itchy Feet have won the prized - we were going to say 'prestigious' but 'prized' is shorter - Retail Store of the Year Award in the Go Outdoors 2003 Awards it was announced at the OS Outdoors Show this weekend.

The store fought off competition from other retailers all over the UK, with the final order being decided by a team of mystery shoppers who visited all short-listed stores. The company started with their Bath store around four and a half years ago and now have a second outlet in London's Wardour Street.

Owners Nancy and John, who happily had a buzzing stand at the show, were visibly delighted by the recognition. Aiming to be a one-stop travellers' shop, they sell a combination of maps, guidebooks and outdoor travel equipment and clothing and, like themselves, all their staff are experienced travellers.

'We're totally and genuinely delighted,' John told us. 'The whole thing was determined by mystery shoppers so it reflects really well on our staff.'

There was success north of the border as well where Graham Tiso took the honours in the new Retail Training Initiative.