 held its National Retail Awards ceremony in Melbourne last Thursday to honour its leading lights.){kind=link}
The National Retail Association (NRA) held its National Retail Awards ceremony in Melbourne last Thursday to honour its leading lights.
The NRA presented the National Retail Awards, which it describes as the “nation’s premier industry honours”. Outstanding retailers from across Australia received their awards at a ceremony in Myer Mural Hall, Melbourne.
More than 300 people attended the gala dinner.
Winners ranged from long-standing industry leaders like Target and Freedom to emerging players like Perfect Potion and Simply for Strings.
Strong field
NRA CEO Dominique Lamb says the strong field shows the depth of talent and commitment in Australian retail.
“We’ve seen an exceptional display of talent at the awards tonight,” she said. “Ranging from our Young Retailer of the Year Nick Pearce through to our Lifetime Achiever Mary Booth. And every award winner in every category.
“What it shows is that retail offers opportunities for everyone. We’ve had winners tonight who are just starting out in business, and those who have devoted their lives to the industry.
“Retail is one of Australia’s largest employers, and increasingly is offering life-long career options for young Australians.”
Accepting her Lifetime Achievement Award, Ms Booth shared the story of how she established her Wine Glass Gallery business.
“People used to say to me – why would you want to work in retail?’ she said. “Well, why would you want to work anywhere else?”
2018 National Retail Awards – full list of winners
Social Responsibility Champion of the Year
Vinnies Shops NSW
Customer Experience Champion of the Year
Perfect Potion
Innovation Champion of the Year
Target Australia
Lifetime Achievement Award
Mary Booth – Wine Glass Gallery
HR Manager of the Year Award
Caterina Kidd – Freedom
Roubler Store Manager of the Year Award
Madison Keynes – Target
Franchisee of the Year
Boost Juice (Karnon Enterprises Pty Ltd)
Small Retailer of the Year
Simply for Strings
Medium Retailer of the Year
St Frock
Large Retailer of the Year
Peregrine Corporation Pty Ltd
News Xtend Online Retailer of the Year
Arlo and Co
Young Retailer of the Year
Nick Pearce – HoMie