Borders shop has a UK first with prize at New York Comic Con

Peebles Comics and Games won Image Comics’ Fall 2024 Select Retailer Award.

The Northgate store became the first in Britain to collect the accolade – based on customer recognition and not simply the largest number of nominations.

The winner was announced at the Lunar Distribution retailer event, but the Peebles store’s co-owners, Clare and Simon Mott, and co-worker Alex MacDonald were unable to attend.

Mr Mott said: “We are absolutely delighted to win.

“Customer service, for both our in-store and online customers, has always been our number one priority.

“Winning an award based solely on our customer feedback and strength of community is truly humbling and affirms that we must be doing something right.”

In her acceptance speech, read out in New York, Mrs Mott said: “Sorry we couldn’t be there but we do hope everyone listening is having lots of fun at NYCC.

“To our friends at Image Comics – thank you.  

“We have an entire wall dedicated to Image Firsts comics and love your eclectic mix of stories that keep customers of all ages coming back again and again.”

A spokesperson for Image Comics, the third largest global comic company, said: “The local comic shop is the sales backbone of the industry, and sadly, the least appreciated when it comes to award recognition.” 

The previous winner of the award was Hall of Justice Comics in Parker, Colorado.

Comic shops were nominated by fans via a form submission and based on criteria such as: exemplary customer service; thoughtful and exciting hand-selling recommendations; easy-to-browse shelving; attractive and innovative displays; forward-thinking customer marketing; and community engagement.

The Image team read and tallied thousands of glowing testimonials about stores around the globe to select the winner.

One Peebles customer, Jenny, said: “The owners are fantastic.

“Clare is really friendly and has an excellent knowledge and enthusiasm for her products.

“They frequently run community events such as games nights and I see them at school fayres.

“It is a favourite shop in our household.”

The Image Select Retailer Award is a new initiative from Image to galvanise recognition of members of the comic book direct market retail community that go above and beyond to serve their customers, expand readership and grow a healthier marketplace.

Peebles Comics and Games will receive a commemorative medallion, a spotlight question-and-answer session to be featured on Image Comics’ social media platforms and website, and a choice of a gold foil exclusive variant, branded as an Image Select Retailer Award winner, with store logo.