More than 300 guests attended the SPAR Australia annual Gala Awards Dinner at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre on July 28.
Retailers, suppliers as well as the directors and staff of SPAR Australia, joined to celebrate the achievements of SPAR retailers over the past year.
SPAR Australia’s Retail Awards Program identifies and recognises retailers that are excelling in their businesses. SPAR said the past 12 months has seen a record number of stores reinvesting in their businesses, mainly thanks to the funds received through the SPAR Loyalty Bonus.
The big winners of the night were SPAR Urunga and SPAR Express Terrigal, which were named SPAR Store of the Year 2018 and SPAR Express Store of the Year 2018, respectively.
The awards were presented by SPAR Australia Managing Director Lou Jardin and SPAR Guild Council Deputy Chair Bob Little.
Other awards presented on the night include:
- SPAR Grocery Award: SPAR Maclean.
- SPAR Express Grocery Award: SPAR Express Kalbar.
- SPAR Dairy / Freezer Award: SPAR Urunga.
- SPAR Express Dairy / Freezer Award: SPAR Express Terrigal.
- SPAR Fresh Food Award: SPAR Babinda.
- SPAR Express Fresh Food Award: SPAR Express Yamba.
- Food To Go Award: SPAR Lismore.
- Brand Ambassador of the Year Award 2018: Nick Holman,SPAR Jandowae.
- Community & Customer Service Excellence Award 2018: SPAR Maclean.
- Store Investment Excellence Award 2018:
- SPAR Glenwood Drive.
- SPAR Express Byron Bay.
- SPAR Urunga.
- SPAR Coffs Harbour.
- SPAR Babinda.
- SPAR Express Ngunnawal.
- 5 STAR Macleay Island.
- SPAR Express Yamba.
- SPAR Halifax.
- SPAR Torquay.
- SPAR Blackall.
- SPAR Maclean.
- SPAR Chirn Park.
- SPAR Ballina.
- SPAR Lismore.
- SPAR Dunedoo.
The Gala Awards Dinner followed the SPAR Australia Trade Show. Retailers were able to find out about the latest new developments from key suppliers. Two suppliers were recognised for their stands at the Trade Show: Patties Bakery (Small Supplier Stand 2018) and Tip Top Bakeries (Large Supplier Stand 2018).
SPAR Australia says 2018 has been a year of building on the ‘Better Together’ theme throughout the retailer’s network.
“The execution of SPAR’s key strategies is integral in achieving positive results in this extremely competitive retail environment and building a value statement to our customers,” a spokesperson said.
“It’s now time to improve the network’s performance, both in qualitative and quantitative aspects. It’s about excelling in customer service, improving sales results, achieving exceptional teamwork, implementing a focused range, clearing the clutter, keeping our stores clean and fresh, and merchandise for sales.
“SPAR’s role in the independent retail landscape is vital, providing choice for retailers and ensuring competition in the sector. As always, SPAR’s focus on mutual growth with both its retail and supplier partners is at the heart of the philosophy of this great brand, working Better Together.”