The Independent Achievers Academy Top 100 independent retailer list demonstrates that standards in independent shops have improved for the third year in a row.

Stores were assessed via a mystery shop visit carried out by Elevate Retail Solutions, which looked into the 12 core principles of retailing. Analysis of the scores shows a 2% year on year increase in the average score achieved during the mystery shop assessment.

IAA Project Manager Hayley said: “This year we’ve seen higher scores than ever, and a higher proportion of first time entrants. This shows the commitment of local store owners to continuously improving their businesses for their communities. Achieving Top 100 status is a fantastic achievement.”

Retailers who made the list were provided with publicity materials and encouraged to talk about their success locally, Sue Young of Robin Hill Stores said “We are delighted to be named on the Top 100 list 2013. We can see from our mystery shop scores where we have improved this year, and where we need to focus on in 2014. It’s a really exciting achievement”

Shops who have achieved Top 100 status will be further judged by a panel of experts and finalists for the awards will be invited to the prestigious IAA Gala Dinner, held in London on the 21st November. Winners will be announced at dinner, hosted by award winning retail entrepreneur Laura Tenison, managing director of JoJo Maman Bebe.