Local Business Shortlisted For Two Prestigious Awards

Wednesday, 13 April 2022 12:00

A local business which has branches in Hailsham and Eastbourne has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards.

Independent home and gift retailer, Maybugs, has been nominated as Independent Gift Retailer of The Year in The Greats (The Gift Industry Oscars). And also High Street Hero at The Smalls (a UK wide small business awards.)

Co-Owner of Maybugs Greg Rose said:

"We are just stunned! Firstly to be finalists again in The Greats, being recognised by industry experts and your peers is such a great compliment. Also to find out we are finalists in the UK Wide Small Awards, in the High Street Hero category is just amazing! We are over the moon, it's made our year!"

"Finding out this information exactly a year to the day after retail was allowed to reopen following lockdown, is such a nice thing. As all owners of small retail businesses will know, the last 365 have been so challenging, so to find out this news has made it all worthwhile. Win or lose it doesn't matter, just to be finalists is good enough for us!"

"All of Team Bug are so excited, and we can't wait for the glittering ceremonies in May! Which also just happens to be when we have a big Maybugs announcement to make too!"

Maybugs is owned by couple Greg Rose and John Dale. They opened their first branch in Hailsham's Vicarage Field in 2018. In 2020 they opened Flowers by Maybugs, a contemporary florist and floral design studio next door to their Hailsham gift shop.

Maybugs Eastbourne opened in July 2021, in Terminus Road. Bringing life to an old Laura Ashley store in the centre of the town.

Maybugs stock a huge variety of gifts and homewares including brands such as Wrendale Designs, JellyCat and Inis. Prices start at just £1 and go up to £300 for some of their most luxurious items.

The Greats recognise retailers who have shown excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the past year, to include their range of gifts, product knowledge, customer service, shop environment, marketing and display.

The Small Awards is run by Small Business Britain. Small Business Britain runs a number of national campaigns for small businesses, including Small Business Saturday.