Family-run gift shop Velvet is a finalist in the Independent Retailer of the Year Awards.
The shop's range of handbags, shoes, clothes, and interiors products has made it one of Brighton and Hove's biggest recent success stories.
Velvet employs 20 people across three shops in Bond Street and Gardner Street, Brighton, and George Street in Hove.
Last year it started selling on the internet and co-director Emma Harrop said online trade was building steadily.
Now the shop is one of four finalists in The Great Retailer Awards organised by gift trade magazine Progressive Gifts and Homes.
Emma, 30, said: "We are all very excited about making the finals. When we started in 2001 we had no idea what we were tapping into."
Progressive Gifts editor Sue Marks said: "There were a tremendous number of nominations in this category, so this is already a significant achievement."
The winner will be announced at an award ceremony in London on May 13.
Monday April 05, 2004
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