A GREETINGS card and gift retailer, based in Droitwich, is a finalist in the equivalent of the gift industry "Oscars".

Smart Ideas opened its first shop in Droitwich 26 years ago and now has 11 greetings card and gift shops in the Midlands, including one in The Shambles, Worcester, and one in St Andrew's Square, Droitwich.

The firm, based on the Hampton Lovett Industrial Estate, has been nominated as a finalist in the GREATS awards 2004 for the Best Multiple Retailer of Gifts.

Every year, manufacturers and wholesalers are asked to nominate their top retailers throughout the UK by the Progressive Gifts and Home Worldwide magazine.

Retailers are judged on product range, product knowledge, staff training, customer care, marketing and promotion, window and product display and a commitment to the gift sector.

"The expansion has been possible due to the dedication of our loyal and committed staff as well as the quality and range of products offered," said Adrian Freeman, gift buyer for the chain.

"The company remains a family business which enables us to offer a unique variety of products to our customers in main high street positions."

The firm will find out if it has won on Thursday, May 13, when the finals take place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, Bayswater, London.