CHAMPAGNE flowed and a celebration cake was cut as bosses and staff at designer department store, The House, marked their triumph in the prestigious FHM Awards.
The Yarm shop was chosen as joint winner of the Department Store of the Year award, along with national chain Debenhams.
David Brown, chairman of the Steel River Group which owns The House, plus directors Kieran McBride and Justin Chandler joined shop staff for the celebrations.
The House, in the High Street, started by selling classic men's and women's wear and has evolved into a contemporary designer store stocking names like Paul Smith, Giorgio Armani, Joseph, Ghost, Hugo Boss Sport and Max Mara.
Two years ago homeware was added and now represents 25 per cent of the shop's turnover. Most recently a caf has opened.
A loyalty card scheme operates across the company, which includes Brills, Leeds, and Leopard men's wear, Harrogate, runner-up in the Casualwear Retailer award.
Last year's winner of the department store award was Selfridges, of London.
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