First-class shop in Lundin Links the running for top award

And tomorrow (Thursday) it hopes to get a stamp of approval and join ‘the greats’.

The local outlet, run by Narelle Cormack and Derek Landels, is in the running for a Best Newcomer prize at The Greats gift retailer awards 2016.

The accolades recognise the top independent and multiple gift retailers regionally and nationally, as well as ‘one off’ niche retailers, and others.

Narelle and Derek’s blend of design-led gifts and crafts with the Post Office service at their Leven Road premises has earned them a nomination form their agent, Sharpstuff, at this year’s ceremony, which takes place at the Grosvenor House in London’s Park Lane.

Penny and Black is in the running with five other shops for the best newcomer nod in Scotland, the north of England and the Midlands.

Narelle and Derek opened the shop in July 2015, believing it was in a good location to showcase a range of designer gifts and preserve the local Post Office.

They refurbished the outlet completely and applied to take on the Post Office shop because, said Narelle, it was “important to keep the Post Office in the village”.

“It’s been really well received and supported,” added Narelle.

“We do mixture of old and new design-led gifts and people like the mix – it’s quite unique, with a charm.

“Where we are is the main artery up to the East Neuk, so we get a lot of passing trade.”

Derek and Narelle were “very flattered” to be put forward and, while they were “not holding out to win” the recognition was very nice because “it’s a lot of hard work”.

The event organisers believe retailers deserve credit, saying: “The UK gift and home industry is dynamic, innovative and vibrant, and The Greats reflect all of this and much more.”