Scooping the Excellence in Housewares Award Jarrolds Tim Shattock Jennifer Read pictured with colleagues in the Norwich city centre department store. Photo : Steve Adams

Independent Norwich department store Jarrold has beaten world-famous Knightsbridge-based Harrods to an industry award.

It’s homewares department has clinched an Excellence in Housewares Awards – the industry oscars.

Its homewares department was named the Best Independent Department Store.

Buyer and manager Jennifer Read was presented with the award by Greg Wallace from BBC Master Chef.

It comes after Jarrold opened its new furniture shop, The Granary, in Bedford Street last month. John Adams, Jarrold trading director, said: “We were thrilled to receive such recognition from leading professionals in the housewares industry. In our Homewares department we offer a wide range of top quality products from both long-established suppliers and new, innovative brands. It’s good to know that our varied range of product lines, coupled with well-trained, knowledgeable staff, seems to be hitting the mark.”

This year’s award comes after Jennifer Read was named best buyer at The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2011.