Retail News Update

The supermarket has beaten 45 other finalists in the Auckland region to win the 2008 Top Shop Retail Excellence Awards.

Retailers Association spokesman Russell Sinclair says there was an unexpected level of personal service both on the floor and at the checkout. He says those who do not cut back on customer service and presentation in a tight market are doing the right thing. Mr Sinclair says they will gain a competitive advantage and more market share, which they will keep when the inevitable upturn happens.

“Overall Top Shop has shown that there has been a continuing improvement in the quality of retail stores in Auckland.”

Category award winners were:

Fashion, footwear and accessories – Bay Bee Cino (Newmarket)
Food and beverage – BACI Lounge (Newmarket)
Giftware and homeware – Rinke Design (Newmarket)
Health and beauty – Jo Malone (The Chancery)
Large format – Borders Books and Movies (Albany)
Lifestyle and fitness – Shoe Science (Albany)
Specialty stores – Havana House Cigars (Customs St)
Start up business – Kidzspace (Epsom)
Supermarkets – New World (Albany)
Retail Modern Apprentice – Ramesh Mavani (Barkers Mens Clothing)
Innovation Excellence in Retail – Jo Malone (The Chancery)

The award for outstanding customer service was won by Albany’s Appresso Fresh.

The awards were presented at an awards evening held tonight in the Sky City Convention Centre attended by about 500 Auckland retailers and their guests.