A HOME and lifestyle store in a Cotswold town has won a Muddy Stiletto award.
Beehive Home and Lifestyle in Chipping Norton has won the award for the best lifestyle store in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
Alison Driver, owner of Beehive Home and Lifestyle, said: "It has been really good for the shop, the local community is really supportive and lots of people have been congratulating us.
"We won the award in May but we had a winners drinks event last week at Waddesdon Manor.
"Three businesses won awards in Chipping Norton and it was nice to meet the team at Cotswold Baking, I think it's a real boost for the town.
"Everyone comes in and talks about the little certificate in the shop window, it's a mark on the high street.
The store first opened two and a half years ago with Mrs Driver saying that it was not he best time to start a business but things have definitely gotten better.
Mrs Driver continued: "Some people say that we are an emporium in the middle of town, high streets in general need better energy.
"I think people are wanting to get out and about more when shopping again.
"People want to experience it and feel it, they want a real place, I think people are fed up with online shopping.
"It's great to walk to and it's always nice to meet, talk and connect with locals."
Businesses are nominated by a member of the public for a Muddy Stiletto award, with the businesses then being voted on by local people.
Mrs Driver said: "I have a background in textiles and retail and I have always wanted a shop and I don't think there's anything like my idea in the area.
"I also employ people who live in the town.
"In the future I want to increase the store's online presence to run alongside the shop as in this day and age I think you need both."
According to the Beehive's website, the shop offers a modern mix of local and global textiles and homewares with joyous patterns and colours to make your soul fly.
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