Best Shops: A trend for shop owners who really know their stuff

[ Don't forget to nominate your favourite shop by clicking here ]

Where would Audrey Hepburn meet Enid Blyton for a chat over tea and scones? According to Clodagh O'Flaherty, that storied meet-up would take place at Primrose Cottage Cakes, in Gorey, Co Wexford, where the "1950s decor and vibe" sets a distinctive scene.

“Wonderful colours and china, along with Primmy’s own quirky style, make for a unique experience,” O’Flaherty writes in her nomination for Best Cafe/Tea Shop. “Throw the scrumptious cakes, pastries and coffee into the mix and you’re in heaven!”

The Irish Times has received thousands of nominations over the past few weeks for its annual Best Shops competition. In its fourth year, the contest is receiving more nominations than ever, from online shops to hair salons to cycle shops.

A trend we’re noticing this year is an appreciation for shop owners who really know their stuff and want to share that knowledge with their customers. These shopkeepers provide an experience more than simply a service.

Netta Kennedy says this is especially true of Wrapsody, in the village of Moycullen, Co Galway, where the shopping experience begins with the window display and extends inward, making Wrapsody a candidate for Best Gift/Design/Interiors Shop.

“Once inside the door you are drawn into the character of the place. Everything slows down,” Kennedy says. “There is a rustic feel and as you peruse its contents you are almost brought back to another time . . . Every little trinket tells its own story.”

Similarly perpetuating a welcoming environment, owner David Faughan of Universal Books, in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, will offer you a cup of tea upon arrival at his shop.

"Many great characters pass through the doors of Universal Books each day, and there is certainly a special atmosphere in the shop once you go in," says Harvey Donnan of his contender for Best Specialist Shop.

“Every day is different and one day you might meet an elderly nun reciting poetry or a local singer songwriter giving you a sample of the latest song they have written.”

The Green Little Fingers stall at Chapel Lane Market, in Ennis, Co Clare, sells gardening supplies, while using its produce to educate children on healthy eating and encourage them to grow their own vegetables.

"Aine is such an inspiration and brings the joy of growing your own organic vegetables from seed to children and adults," writes Michelle Barrett of the Best Market Stall contender.

“She provides seeds, gift boxes and aprons (which are made from recycled denim jeans and made in Clare) to suit all age groups. It’s important to show children where their vegetables come from and encourage them to eat healthy.”

Joining the trend of using storefronts for advocacy and community involvement, The Boardroom in Greystones, Co Wicklow has played a large role in supporting the growth of BMX and skateboarding in Ireland.

" The guys that run it are hugely dedicated and motivated by a shared passion to promote this unique sporting scene, which they visibly love," says Jennifer Johnson.

“There is nothing that these guys don’t know about BMX and skateboards and they will go out of their way to ensure customer satisfaction with their friendly and helpful manner.”

Beloved, in Malahide, Co Dublin, goes a step further by donating its profits to Focus Ireland, a charity dedicated to ending homelessness. Lisa Dunne described the atmosphere of her Best Newcomer nomination as "always lovely".

“Staff are predominantly volunteers and so committed and engaging,” Dunne writes.

These are only a sampling of the thousands of entries already received.

Make sure to nominate your favourites and tell us why they deserve the Best Shops title at irishtimes.com/bestshops.