This year’s Australia’s leading retailers were crowned today at the Australian Retailers Association’s (ARA) 2018 eftpos Australian Retail Awards.
The Awards breakfast, held at Myer Mural Hall in Melbourne, celebrated the breadth of talent in Australia’s retail realm across customer experience, technology, payments, sustainability, employee development, supply chain management, business growth and corporate social responsibility.
Taking out the prestigious 2018 eftpos National Retailer of the Year title were PETstock, Australia’s one stop shop for specialty pet needs. Establishing their territory as fierce competitors in the retail marketplace, PETstock were recognised for their progressive leadership within the retail realm. This year, the ARA received a high-standard of submissions, a reflection of the pioneers trailblazing through the retail sector. To assist with the adjudication process, the ARA recruited a panel of esteemed judges to conduct the first awards analysis.The panel included Bernie Brookes AM, Adjunct Industry Fellow at Swinburne University of Technology, Camille Reed, Founder of Australian Circular
The panel reviewed all nominations over a two-week period and scored each submission out of five. Each retailer was then ranked alongside their award category counterparts, with the highest-ranking retailers making the finals.
The two most sought-after retail awards, the 2018 eftpos National Retailer of the Year Award and the 2018 The Realise Group Excellence in Customer Experience Award, experienced a second round of evaluation conducted by The Realise Group, a customer experience measurement agency, to determine the winners of each award.This meticulous methodology,coupled with mystery shopping evaluations, provided a sound assessment of the winners of each category. With 13 awards up for grabs, the 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Award winners stood out from the retail realm, and the ARA look forward to seeing the next generation of retail pioneers at next year’s Awards.
The 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Award winners:
Through inspiring their peers and exhibiting significant long-term contributions to the longevity and sustainability of the industry, PETstock have been crowed this year’s 2018 eftpos National Retailer of the Year. Always having their consumers at the heart of their business, PETstock strive to go above and beyond for customers, providing expert advice with on-site animal specialists who are knowledgeable across all areas of pet care, expelling a duty of care to pets and pet owners. Consistently delivering value and known for being the consumer’s pet, PETstock is this year’s retail top dog.
Runner-up: Lowes
2018 FCB Group Retail Employer of the Year: ALDI Australia
Taking home the title of 2018 FCB Group Retail Employer of the Year for second consecutive year in a row, ALDI have proven to be fierce contenders in the retail realm. With a strong commitment to diversity, non-discrimination and support to all employees, ALDI incorporate internal and external recruiting methods to select candidates and nurture the skills, confidence and leadership required to operate business functions. Through a commitment to staff and the community, ALDI are the pioneers in the retail sector, leaving no stone unturned.
Runner-up: Peregrine Corporation Pty Ltd – On the Run
The 2018 Rest Young Retailer of the Year Award recognises the growing talent of future leaders in the industry. This year’s award goes to Louise Stephens, Coordinator for convenience stores On the Run for the Peregrine Corporation. Louise’s passion for retail and communications enables her to thrive in the industry, seizing every opportunity available. With a keen eye on attention to detail and devotion for retail, Louise is paving the way for other retail employees to step up and take reins of the retail future.
Runner-up: Georgia Christo – Sussan Corporation Aust Pty Ltd
Entailed with a strong ethos of being who you are, whoever that may be, Sportsgirl’s powerful campaign features a diverse range of girls of all heights, shapes, sizes from different backgrounds such as Paralympians, scientists, trans models and Indigenous activists. This brilliant and engaging campaign is more than just marketing, it highlights the influence retail has on everyday lives.The 2018 Hitwise Excellence in Retail Marketing Award recognises innovative retail marketing. Converting consumers around the country, Sportsgirl’s BE THAT GIRL campaign has stolen the hearts of Australian consumers.
2018 ARA Store Fit-out of the Year: Pickings and Parry Group
Paying homage to the traditional barber aesthetic, Pickings and Parry have cut out the competition, winning the 2018 Store Fit-out of the Year Award with their nostalgic design. Focusing on old fashioned quality and style, Pickings and Parry have converted a classic old building into a tailored experience destination for all. With their stores emanating style and grace, Pickings and Parry are extremely retail groomed.
Runner-up: PETstock
The recipient of this year’s 2018 eftpos Online Retailer of the Year Award is The Party People. Establishing their website in 1999, The Party People were ahead of the online curve, predicting the online trend before it occurred. With a clear vision to create a global network propelled by the shift from ‘party store’ to ‘party planning centre’ Dean and his brother Peter, are in the process of developing a digital marketplace to emulate the online experience reflected in their bricks-and-mortar store.
Runner-up: Flora & Fauna
Simply for Strings has taken out the 2018 eftpos Independent Retailer of the Year Award in the 1 store category. Operating independently, Simply for Strings has developed in-house workshops, customised to individual customer preferences, demonstrating innovation and appreciation for exceptional customer experience and care, orchestrating the perfect harmony for success.
Runner-up: My Christmas
2018 Independent Retailer of the Year (2-5 stores): The Party People
The 2018 eftpos Independent Retailer of the Year Award in the 2-5 store category goes to The Party People who have showcased consistent cutting-edge marketing strategies, innovative staff management programs and strong leadership qualities. Not clowning around, The Party People continue to overcome retail obstacles and love turning potential challenges into prospering opportunities. This growing retailer has spread across Australia, increasing their store presence, growing industry employment and enhancing consumer experience, making them truly a retail force to be reckoned with.
Runner-up: Curious Grace
A family owned business, Spoilt Gifts and Homewares have taken out the 2018 eftpos Independent Retailer of the Year Award in the 5+ store category. As the retail climate is becoming increasingly competitive, Spoilt Gifts and Homewares have identified their target market and tailored products to align with consumer demands. Through innovative strategies and core family values driving their success, Spoilt Gifts and Homewares are a gift to the retail the industry.
About the Australian Retail Awards:
First held in the 1970s, the eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards are the nation’s longest running and most prestigious retail event, recognising and rewarding outstanding retail businesses, innovations, and individuals across all sectors of retail. Relaunched in 2008, the annual 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards breakfast was held on Thursday 18 October at Myer Mural Hall in Melbourne in front of 500 guests.
About the Australian Retailers Association:
ARA Australian Retail Awards breakfast was held on Thursday 18 October at Myer Mural Hall in Melbourne in front of 500 guests. Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.
