The National Retail Association has announced the top 25 finalists in the running to take out the 2015 NRA Young Retailer of the Year Award, with Coles Property Graduate Laura Conquer among those selected.
The NRA Young Retailer of the Year Award is claimed to be recognised nationally as the highest accolade in retail and serves to acknowledge excellence in ambition, leadership and innovation within the retail discipline, for those aged 25 and under.
“The 2015 finalists have certainly demonstrated the diverse job opportunities available in retail, and the exciting career paths ahead for these savvy young retailers,” NRA CEO Trevor Evans said.
2015 NRA Young Retailer of the Year finalists
| Name | Company | Position | State |
| Deana Barducci | Perfect Potion | Retail Store Manager | NSW |
| Alicia Cale | kikki.K | Senior Store Manager | NSW |
| Kaitlin Carnell | Officeworks | Store Business Manager | Qld |
| Medina Cicak | Yum! Restaurants International – KFC | Graduate Leader – Human Resource Officer and RSC Generalist | NSW |
| Laura Conquer | Coles | Property Graduate | Vic |
| Jade Dignam | Myer | Online Content and Promotions Coordinator | Vic |
| Tammy Drew | Target | Department Manager | WA |
| Mitchell Eaves | City Beach | Store Manager | Qld |
| Alex Foley | Boost Juice Bars | Business Manager | Vic |
| Ellen Hamilton | Myer | Category Buyer’s Assistant Menswear | Vic |
| Brady Hann | Peregrine Corporation | Trainer and Assessor | SA |
| Gemma Kariotoglou | Fossil Group | Store Manager | NSW |
| Kristie O’Connor | Jeanswest | Senior Store Manager | WA |
| Johanna Parker | Best & Less | Store Manager | NSW |
| Scott Phillips | Kmart | Store Manager | NSW |
| Jade Purnell-Webb | Wallace Bishop Jewellers | Assistant Store Leader and Service Department Manager | Qld |
| Thomas Riek | The Co-op | Trainee Manager | Qld |
| Kristy Rosengren | Bardot | Area Manager South Australia and Northern Territory | Vic |
| Tierny Silver | Trenery | Assistant Manager | Qld |
| Shaun Thatcher | Specsavers | Store owner and co-owner | Vic |
| Luke Van De Wiel | BIG W | Assistant Store Manager | SA |
| Giles Venske | Super Retail Group | Area Manager | Qld |
| Michelle Webb | Supercheap Auto – Super Retail Group | Store Manager | Vic |
| Kate Weller | PETstock | SA Retail Support | SA |
| Duncan Yi | Esprit Retail | Country Merchandise Manager | NSW |
The final stage of judging will be held at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on September 7, with finalists also given the opportunity to network with key influencers in the industry at the NRA Future of Retail Forum. That evening, retailers from across the country will attend the ‘Parisian soiree’ themed gala dinner in anticipation of the winner announcement.
Finalists are each vying for the top prize of a place on the Westfield World Retail Study Tour next year, valued at close to $17,000.