A VINTAGE and retro store which started life on York Market has been nominated for The Press’s Shop Of The Year Award.

Expressions, which has been based in Walmgate for the past four years, has become popular among both local residents as well as vintage-lovers from further afield.

Customer Pamela Hughes, of South Bank, praised the shop for being unique and independent, while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere.

She said: “Everything in there is at a really good price for a vintage shop. What makes this store really unique though is the fact they make and design 70 per cent of their own clothes.”

Expressions stocks clothing and accessories from the various eras of the past 50 years up until the modern day, but has now started making its own designs of bags, knitwear and dresses.

Bob Davies, owner of Expressions, was taken aback by the nomination. “We do get compliments; even some people from other cities say there is no shop like this where they’re from,” he said. “But it is very flattering for someone to take the time and effort to nominate us. We have carried on developing the business in the past few years.

“In a recession, you can’t stand still, you have to move forward, otherwise your competitors will leave you behind.”

The Shop Of The Year contest is being held as part of The Press’s York Means Business campaign, which aims to support and promote local businesses through the global recession.

We have been asking readers to nominate their favourite shop, which they believed offered the most exceptional quality of service.

The prize for the winners will be a luxury night for two at York’s Dean Court Hotel, followed by a champagne breakfast. They will then be picked up in a stretch limo from White Stretch Limousines and taken to The Press’s Family Raceday at York Racecourse on Sunday, September 6, where they can be joined by members of their staff.

•Nominations have now closed. The winner will be announced later this month.