Ritchies Supa IGA Dromana, Victoria, has won IGA International Retailer of the Year at the IGA conference in San Diego, USA.
Ritchies Group owns and operates the Dromana store, south of Melbourne. Having operated in Australia for almost 150 years, it’s now the country’s largest independent supermarket and liquor retailer.
Supa star
Ritchies Supa IGA Dromana is clocking up accolades, including 2018 National Retailer of The Year, Supa IGA Store of the Year and Supa IGA Bakery Department of the Year. Last year, it took home the Retail Transformation & Innovation Award at the IGA Australia Awards.
Of the latest award, CEO of Ritchies Group Fred Harrison said: “We’ve worked hard to deliver on our vision. Our stores reflect our commitment to be the best in independent retail. It’s a wonderful feeling for the team at Ritchies Dromana to have their efforts recognised internationally.”
Ritchies says its Dromana store has become known as a “foodie’s paradise”. According to the group, the store has energy-efficient refrigeration, low-line bakery display units, wine-barrel display tables and a “Himalayan salt wall”.
“We’ve designed Dromana around the needs, tastes and lifestyles of our customers,” Mr Harrison said. “The team has worked hard to build great relationships with our local community and our suppliers. The store stocks considerable ranges from local growers and producers.”
Exclusive products
Mr Harrison says the store’s ethos is to differentiate itself by stocking unique ranges and produce.
“Our main point of difference is that we’re working with our supplier partners to range many products that are exclusive to Ritchies,” he said.
“These include ‘hard to find’ specialty items, as well as all the traditional lines found in a large supermarket. As an independent, we’re better placed than many to tailor our fresh offerings and provide unique grocery items.
“We have an incredible team, loyal employees and a great local community whose needs are at the heart of our business. These relationships are the cornerstone of our success.”
