Eco Baby Box has won an Exeter Living Award for Best Retailer in an award ceremony at Exeter University's Great Hall.

The award, which was announced on March 17, saw Eco Baby Box defeating stiff competition to be crowned Best Retailer. Ottery's Coffee Bank was also named as a finalist in the competition.

Nicci Simpson (aged 31) is the owner of Eco Baby Box. She lives in Ottery with her husband Karl and their son Ollie, who was born during the first lockdown. She initially launched her shop online in February 2021, and it was so successful she opened the Ottery outlet in September 2021.

Whilst Nicci was pregnant with her son she put together a business plan for a shop. She wanted to it to focus on the environment and offer a safe space for mums, dads and carers to visit during the day.

Nicci told Nub News: "I've always been passionate about the environment and with Ollie on the way it seemed the best way to re-join the working environment whilst spending time with my son."

Nicci's husband Karl designed and built the furniture using reclaimed materials. Nicci said: "Karl was tasked with making the shop homely and inviting, whilst at the same time being baby and toddler friendly!"

Inside, Nicci has created an attractive and appealing space, where customers enjoy bringing their children. It is a real sanctuary!

At the rear of the shop, Nicci has set up a play area, changing table and baby weight and height tracker. There is also a toilet and as well as an armchair and sofa, which are available for anyone to use at any time.

Nicci continued: "In the early days [after having a baby] it can be incredibly lonely. It's important that we are a safe space where people can come even if just for 5 minutes to speak to an adult, or come with the children if they are having a bad day!"

After winning the award, Nicci said: "It hasn't sunk in that we won, if I'm honest!

"I'm blown away with the support and I hope people will continue to support us as the store evolves."

A statement on the Exeter Living website said that Eco Baby Box is: "Providing a distinctive shopping experience mixed with caring charitable ethics.

"An aspirational local retailer at the top end of baby boutique, and truly paving its own destiny."

Eco Baby Box is located at 19 Broad St, Ottery Saint Mary EX11 1BY.

You can find out more about the shop on their [L] https://ecobabybox.co.uk/ [L+] website and [L] https://www.facebook.com/Ecobabyboxltd [L+] here.