With the increasing focus by the shopping centre industry on ‘experiential retail’ there is an obvious attendant concentration on retailers who provide it. Leasing is a different game these days; it’s not just about who can pay the rent but far more about which retailers can provide what the customer wants. But what about the retailers themselves? Who do they think are the best? Russell Zimmerman tells us about the upcoming Retail Awards.
The eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards are the industry’s largest and longest-running recognition of success, recognising remarkable leaders and disruptors in the retail space.
Employing 10% of the working population, retail is a vital part of the Australian economy and passionate retailers are at the heart of this pivotal and prosperous industry. This prestigious event serves as a national stage to showcase the vision, innovation and excellence of the best of Australian retail.
This year’s program encompasses a range of awards representing the breadth of achievement and talent in the ever-changing retail landscape. The awards span 12 categories reflecting the diversity of Australian retail – from independent owner-operators, to national brands, industry innovators, outstanding staff and exceptional store fit-outs.
The coveted 2017 Retailer of the Year Award is set to be one of hardest on record to judge, with the extraordinary calibre of leading Australian retailers in the field.
As the peak retail industry body, the ARA has this year reimagined the selection process and worked with distinguished industry experts to determine what constitutes the ‘best in retail’ in this evolving sector. The bespoke adjudication matrix considers several essential factors including company culture, fiscal performance, corporate responsibility, marketing initiatives and customer engagement strategies.
Coupled with mystery shopping initiatives and field agency surveys, the impartial panel of judges will be well equipped to make the difficult decision of deciding the retailer deserving of the 2017 crown.
This year’s Awards Breakfast will take place on August 3 at The National Gallery of Victoria in front of more than 550 guests, providing a unique opportunity for Australian retailers to celebrate their successes and network with industry peers. Attendees will also glean powerful insights from Swisse Wellness CEO, Radek Sali, in his keynote address.
With the industry growing each year, and new international players entering the Australian market, the ARA enjoyed watching last year’s winners prosper.
In 2016 Aldi took the crown for the eftpos Retailer of the Year, while Mon Purse took the title of Temando Multi-Channel Retailer of the Year. Last year’s award winners also included Specsavers, Shoes of Prey, The Sydney String Centre, Wilson Retail and the Peregrine Corporation.
This year, the 2017 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards categories include:
• eftpos Retailer of the Year
• Rest Industry Super Retail Employee of the Year
• Shop for Shops Store Fit-out of the Year
• Temando Omni-channel Retailer of the Year
• eftpos Independent Retailer of the Year
• FCB Retail HR Rising Star of the Year
• Pronto Software Retail Disruptor of the Year
• Frontline Retail Employer of the Year
• The Realise Group People’s Choice Award.
For more information about the 2017 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards, visit australianretailawards.com.au.
