McDowells Herbal, which supplies alternative health products for human and animal clients, is a finalist in the best new retailer category of the Online Retail Industry Awards.

To be eligible for the award, the online shop must have been launched after January 2017 and has to demonstrate a sound, innovative and effective business strategy and a growing customer base.  

McDowells director David Mansfield admitted he wasn't sure if the business would be in with a chance.  

"We have only had our online shop live since October last year, giving others a good 10 months jump on us,” he said.

“I wasn't sure if we were too new, however thought it was worth a try."

Mr Mansfield and co-director Catherine Cox said they were pleased to be a finalist.

"With such big names out there in online retail, it's such an honour to make it in such a large, competitive Australian market," Mr Mansfield said.

Most online shops are city-based and in the fashion, cosmetics and lifestyle industries, Ms Cox said, “so to compete with them as a regional alternative health business is incredible”.

McDowells Herbal has been around for more than 30 years as a physical business.

The online retail awards will be announced at a gala night at the new Sydney International Conference Centre on Thursday, July 26.