As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, Associated Independent Stores (AIS) - who also host the INDX Home Show - was proud to sponsor the Icebreaker reception and present the Icon Award at this year’s Excellence in Housewares Awards 2026.
Celebrating Our Members and Suppliers
Congratulations to AIS Member Warden Brothers, based in Northern Ireland, who took home the coveted Best Independent Department Store Award.
Our CENPAC Suppliers also shone brightly on the night, with trophies awarded across multiple categories to:
Captivate Brands
Burton McCall
DK Household Brands
Horwood Homewares
Joseph Joseph
Minky
Meyer Group
ReBorn
Ultimate Products
AIS was also honoured to present the Icon Award to Nimbus Products for their timeless Falcon Enamel Classic Pie Dish.
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"We are absolutely delighted to see Warden Brothers recognised as Best Independent Department Store. This is richly deserved for a business that continues to demonstrate everything that is great about independent retailing.
For generations, Warden Brothers has been at the heart of its local community, combining a strong heritage with a commitment to brilliant customer experience with an unwavering focus on their customers.
Everyone at AIS and INDX congratulates the Warden Brothers team on this outstanding achievement."
- Emma Rackley, Director of Furniture and Home
"It was fantastic to see the big brands that are so vital to our independent sector get the recognition they deserve. It was especially rewarding to see so many brands who showcase at our INDX Home show celebrating their achievements and connecting with our Members, continuing the strong momentum and success from our recent September show."
- Janet Perez, Senior Category Manager
Congratulations to all the winners and nominees who make the housewares industry so vibrant!
About AIS
AIS (Associated Independent Stores) is the leading buying group for home, fashion, and leisure in the UK and Ireland. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, AIS remains dedicated to supporting independent retailers through collective buying power, and industry-leading services and insight.
