Game changer Aldi is 2016 Australian Retailer of the Year

GROCERY game-changer, Aldi, has taken out Retailer of the Year gold at the 2016 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards.

Aldi was top of the dais in the Australian retail ‘olympics’ and was hailed for its market-leading growth, influence and operational policies. Innovation in these areas has seen the European-developed supermarket chain significantly challenge the Australian majors in its category and beyond through the implementation of unique sales approaches nationally. 

Run annually by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), the eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards are the nation’s longest running and most prestigious retail recognition program, rewarding and celebrating Australian retail businesses and individuals for success, innovation and growth.

The event was also particularly special for Wilson Retail, which operates the Saltwater Wine and Stormriders chains in New South Wales, with the business taking out the ARA Independent Retailer of the Year award for the third year running.

Temando-sponsored Multi-Channel Retailer of the Year was Mon Purse with The Good Guys runner-up.

Pronto Software-sponsored Retail Innovator of the Year was the innovative Shoes of Prey group, while Just For Pets was runner-up.

This year’s breakfast event was held at the Melbourne Grand Hyatt. Aalong with presentation of the awards, the prestigious event featured keynote speakers who have experienced incredible success in the retail industry: Boost Juice co-founder  and Retail Zoo chairman, Jeff Allis, and Daniel Flynn the co-founder of Thankyou, a social enterprise which empowers shoppers to play a part in ending global poverty through simple everyday purchases.

Nine awards were presented as part of the 2016 event.

Eftpos managing director, Bruce Mansfield, congratulated Aldi and all the winning and competing retailers.

“Australian retail today is not only extraordinarily competitive, but the industry is evolving at a rapid pace, with more international brands and the increasing use of technology and new channels,” Mr Mansfield said.

“Eftpos congratulates Aldi on winning the eftpos Retailer of the Year, and all award winners and runners up in 2016. It’s so important to recognise the effort and success of Australian retailers, large and small, and we are very pleased to be a supporter.”

ARA executive director, Russell Zimmerman said, “This year’s awards field was particularly tough, with not just the highest number of entries in the awards’ 50 year history, but also the highest quality.

“Retail is Australia’s largest private sector employer, and the contribution of these businesses to our economy and future cannot be understated. These winners represent the diversity of Australian retailing and the depth of talent we have in this important industry.

“The industry grows each year, and we look forward to watching the winners of this year’s aas they continue to prosper. To those who were unsuccessful with their entries in 2016, we hope to see you back again next year,” Mr Zimmerman said.

 

2016 EFTPOS ARA AUSTRALIAN RETAIL AWARDS WINNERS

eftpos Retailer of the Year: Aldi. Runner up: Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics.

ARA Independent Retailer of the Year: Wilson Retail (Stormriders & Saltwater Wine). Runner up: Adreno.

Shop for Shops Store Fitout of the Year 1-5 Stores: The Sydney String Centre. Runner up: Eliza Blue Fashions.

Shop for Shops Store Fitout of the Year 6+ Stores: Specsavers Eastland. Runner up: Jeanswest Eastland.

Temando Multi-Channel Retailer of the Year: Mon Purse. Runner up: The Good Guys.

Frontline Recruitment Retail Employer of the Year: Peregrine Corporation (On The Run, Smoke Box). Runner up: Aldi.

Rest Industry Super Retail Employee of the Year: Jacob Purtell of Harris Scarfe. Runner up: David Lai, Fantastic Furniture.

FCB Retail HR Rising Star of the Year: Paige Willemse, Sussan Group.

Pronto Software Retail Innovator of the Year: Shoes of Prey. Runner up: Just For Pets.

ARA Retail Institute Retail Graduate of the Year: Lauren Dodman.

www.retail.org.au

 

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