ARA Retail Awards open to nominations

Posted by Editorial on 9th June 2009

Nominations are now open for the ARA Australian Retail Awards – which celebrate the best major retailers, smaller owner-operated stores and retail innovation, as well as the achievements of young retail talent across the country. Last year’s winner was Supercheap Auto, with IGA the only food retailer to earn an award (for innovation).

Australian Retail Association (ARA) Executive Director Richard Evans said there were two categories currently open for nomination – the ARA Young Retailer of the Year and Independent Retailer of the Year.

“After over 12 months of reduced consumer demand and falling retail sales, the ARA Australian Retail Awards are a great opportunity for retailers to receive recognition for some outstanding performances and displays of ingenuity, innovation and business nous during an extremely difficult trading period,” Mr Evans said.

“During the economic downturn, both consumer and retailer confidence have suffered some severe blows, but industry recognition for a job well done will offer a much deserved boost for savvy retailers.

Nomination registrations for Independent Retailer of the Year and ARA Young Retailer of the Year close on 15 June 2009. Other ARA Australian Retail Awards Categories include the Retail Innovation of the Year (President’s Award) and the industry’s top honour – the Australian Retailer of the Year – with industry-voted category winners to be announced in the coming weeks.

For further information and nomination forms please visit www.australianretailawards.com.au.