Maghera is home to many independent retailers who play a role in support jobs in community
Retail NI visited Maghera as part of its High Street Heroes campaign, encouraging people across Maghera and Mid Ulster to nominate and vote for their favourite independent retailers, retail teams and high streets.
The High Street Hero Awards 2026 give the public the chance to celebrate the local businesses and people who go above and beyond for their communities every day.
During the visit to Crawfords Maghera, Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts was joined by Deputy Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Eva Cahoon, Jonathan Crawford Managing Director of Crawford’s Maghera, elected representatives and community representatives to encourage shoppers, customers and the wider community to get involved in this year’s awards.
Entries opened on Monday 3 August and will remain open until the start of September, with voting available online through Retail NI website.
Powered by Retail NI and decided by public vote, the awards encourage shoppers, customers and local communities to nominate their favourite businesses and showcase the very best of Northern Ireland’s independent retail sector.
Whether it is a butcher who knows every customer by name, a coffee shop that brings people together, a convenience store that keeps a local community connected, a post office providing essential services, or a high street that remains at the heart of a town, High Street Heroes is a chance to give them the recognition they deserve.
This year’s awards include two new categories, Best Post Office and Neighbourhood Police Officer of the Year, recognising the essential services and local partnerships that help keep high streets strong, safe and vibrant.
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“Maghera and Mid Ulster are home to many dedicated independent retailers and local businesses who play a vital role in supporting jobs, providing essential services and helping to keep our town centres and high streets vibrant.
“High Street Heroes is all about giving the public the chance to celebrate the independent retailers, local businesses and high streets that make a real difference every day.
“These awards are different because they are decided by the public. There are no judges. It is local shoppers, customers and communities who decide who deserves to be recognised.
“We want people in Maghera and Mid Ulster to get involved and show their support. Whether your High Street Hero is a family-run butcher, a brilliant bakery, a much-loved convenience store, a local fashion retailer, a neighbourhood post office or a high street that brings the whole community together, now is the time to nominate them.
“Retailers are facing significant pressures, from rising costs to retail crime, and it is more important than ever that we recognise the businesses, people and services that help keep our high streets strong, safe and vibrant.”
Deputy Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Eva Cahoon said: “Maghera as well as communities right across Mid Ulster are fortunate to have a strong network of independent retailers and local businesses that are at the heart of daily life. These businesses do much more than provide goods and services. They create local jobs, support community activities and help make our towns and villages welcoming places to live, work and visit."