Judging underway for 2016 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards

JUDGING of the 2016 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards is underway, with a list of finalists, runners up, and winners to be decided by judges ahead of the August 10 Awards presentation breakfast in Melbourne.

A record number of entries were received by the ARA this year, reflecting the strong culture of innovation, success, and hard work by Australian retailers.

A shortlist for each of the nine categories has been created, with the ARA judging panel, consisting of retail veteran, Peter Wilkinson; NORA CEO, Paul Greenberg; and eftpos’ Warwick Ponder, to decide on the final outcome for each Award.

Russell Zimmerman, ARA Executive Director, said the calibre of entries this year had once again outdone that of previous years, with the Awards growing in size and strength with each event.

“The field of entrants for our 2016 Awards has been nothing short of outstanding,” said Mr Zimmerman.

“The ARA has been hosting these annual Awards since the 1970s, and each year I remain impressed by the growth, development and operational success of retailers in Australia.

“This year’s Awards Breakfast is not to be missed, judging from the talent and skill of our entries, as well as the high quality of our key note speakers and networking opportunities,” he said.

In addition to the winners and runners up presentations, the 2016 Awards breakfast will feature two special guest speakers who have enjoyed their own success in Australian retail. Jeff Allis, Co-Founder of Boost Juice, and Daniel Flynn, Founder of social enterprise company, Thank You, and maker of Thank you branded water, food and bodycare products, will entertain guests and impart some words of wisdom to others looking to emulate their achievements.

“Jeff and Daniel have a high level of experience in the Australian retail industry, and the knowledge and insights they will impart are invaluable,” Mr Zimmerman said.

The eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards are the retail industry’s longest running recognition of success, and this year will take place in front of 500 guests at a prestigious breakfast event at the Grand Hyatt, Melbourne on August 10. Tickets to the 2016 Awards Breakfast, can be purchased at http://retail.org.au/2016-retail-awards/

2016 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards categories include eftpos Retailer of the Year, Shop For Shops Store Fitout of the Year, Temando Multichannel Retailer of the Year, Frontline Recruitment Retail Employer of the Year, Rest Industry Super Retail Employee of the Year, FCB Retail HR Rising Star of the Year, Pronto Software Retail Innovator of the Year, ARA Retail Institute Retail Graduate of the Year, and ARA Independent Retailer of the Year.

2016 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards Breakfast

When: Thursday 2 July 2015, 7am to 9:45am
Where: Grand Hyatt, 123 Collins St, Melbourne

Tickets & pricing: http://retail.org.au/2016-retail-awards/

ARA members $60/guests $80
ARA members table of 10 $550/guest table of 10 $750.

About the eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards

First held in the 1970s, the eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards are the nation’s longest running and most prestigious retail event, recognising and rewarding outstanding retail businesses, innovations, and individuals across all sectors of retail.

Relaunched in 2008, the Awards culminate in the annual 2016 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards breakfast at Melbourne’s Grand Hyatt on August 10.
In 2016 there are nine Awards categories, judged by an experienced and distinguished panel of impartial fellow retailers, the 2016 awards event encompasses nine categories including, eftpos Retailer of the Year, Shop For Shops Store Fitout of the Year, Temando Multichannel Retailer of the Year, Frontline Recruitment Retail Employer of the Year, Rest Industry Super Retail Employee of the Year, FCB Retail HR Rising Star of the Year, Pronto Software Retail Innovator of the Year, ARA Retail Institute Retail Graduate of the Year, ARA Independent Retailer of the Year.

To enter the Awards or purchase tickets to the eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards Breakfast event, visit http://retail.org.au/2016-retail-awards/

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $293 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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