Amanti in Wednesday Market has successfully beaten off competition from across the region to become one of only five shops competing in the finals for the coveted title of Independent Gift Retailer of the Year, for the Midlands and the North.

The Greats are the UK’s premier retail awards, recognised as the ‘jewels in the crown’ of the gift industry.

To reach the finals, Amanti demonstrated excellence in all areas across the retail spectrum over the past year, including range of gifts, product knowledge, customer service, shop environment, marketing and display.

In the two years since they opened, Amanti’s owners Antony Barton and Amalia Booker have set out to prove that local, independent shops offer a real alternative to the high street multiples.

“We don’t see ourselves as a gift shop in the traditional sense,” explains Antony.

“We search out exciting and unusual products that our customers often describe as a little bit different. As well as wonderful gift ideas, browsers are equally likely to find something for themselves or their home.”

The winner will be announced at the Great Expectations Awards night being held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on May 22.