Renes in Lancaster crowned independent icon in its 70th year

Few shops can say they have been part of a city's style story for seventy years, but Renes on Common Garden Street in Lancaster can. Founded in 1955, the women's designer clothing boutique reached its 70th anniversary in 2025, and it celebrated the milestone in the best possible way.

At the 2025 Drapers Awards, one of the most closely watched events in the British fashion retail calendar, Renes was named Independent Icon of the Year. For the staff and the many customers who have watched the shop grow over the decades, it was a proud moment for Lancaster as well as for the business itself.

Owner Tiffany Moore described the recognition as special, and she was quick to share the credit. She thanked the customers and staff who have kept the boutique thriving for so long, a reminder that independent shops are built on relationships as much as on rails of clothes.

The Drapers win is the latest in a run of industry recognition. Renes has previously been named Outstanding Business of the Year at the Boutique Star Awards, and at the same ceremony it received a runner-up commendation in the Fashion Independent of the Year category.

Tiffany's reputation has also taken her beyond Lancaster. She joined a panel on ethics and leadership at Spring Fair, the UK's major retail trade show, sharing what she has learned about running a modern independent store with fellow retailers and industry experts.

Back home, the boutique has long been about more than simply selling clothes. It has hosted evenings of image and style tips, inviting customers to discover what suits them and to build a wardrobe with confidence, and the destination's tourism team has shone a spotlight on the shop as one of the city's notable independents.

In an age when so much shopping has moved online, a seventy-year-old boutique winning a national award is genuinely good news. It shows that personal service, a carefully chosen edit of designer labels and a loyal local following still count for a great deal.

Renes can be found on Common Garden Street in Lancaster city centre. It is well worth calling in to browse the latest collections and to congratulate the team on a landmark year in person.