Last chance to exceed expectations at the Retail Realm

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) are calling for retailers who truly master customer experience within the Retail Realm at this year’s ARA Retail Awards.

The 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards are the nation’s longest running and most prestigious retail event, showcasing the most influential retail leaders and employees within the Australian retail industry.

Russell Zimmerman, executive director of the ARA, said this industry leading event is a crucial platform where the industry can not only recognise Australia’s retail pioneers, but also showcase those retail leaders who exceed customer expectations.

“Customer fulfillment is a crucial aspect of any retail business, and this year’s Awards will pay special tribute to those retailers creating the right process, model and atmosphere to enhance the consumer experience at every step of the customer’s shopping journey,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“With this year’s Awards encompassing three retail categories, the Excellence in Customer Experience category will search for exceptional retailers offering innovative marketing strategies, fit-outs and customer experiences.”

The 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards themed, The Retail Realm: thinking outside the shop, will touch on every element in the retail sphere including customer experience, technology, payments, sustainability, supply chain, growth, employee development and corporate social responsibility.

Naomi Simson, founding director of online experience retailer RedBalloon, will be this year’s Awards keynote speaker, addressing 500 Australian retailers at the iconic Mural Hall in Melbourne on the 18 October.

“It will be great to see so many retailers in one room thinking beyond their shopfront and discussing how we, as an industry, can turn our market challenges into triumphs,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“It is retail forums like our annual Awards breakfast, that retailers across the country can learn from, and gain insights into, how they can grow their business and build further opportunities for the retail industry as a whole.”

As the submission deadline is just around the corner, the ARA encourage retailers of all sizes to submit an entry before Friday 10 August.

“With 13 awards up for grabs across three retail categories, there may be more than one category your business can submit an entry to,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“It’s just about identifying the key strengths and attributes of your retail business and then sharing your success stories with us.”

The ARA believe knowledge is power and the more stories shared across the industry will only provide further opportunities to the retail sector and the Australian economy as a whole.

The 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards will be held on Thursday 18 October at the Myer Mural Hall in Melbourne. Submit your entry today via the 2018 eftpos ARA Retail Awards platform.

To secure your seat for the 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards head to The Retail Realm to purchase your tickets today.

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 annual 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards breakfast will commence on Thursday 18 October at the Myer Mural Hall in Melbourne. 

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is Australia’s largest retail association, representing the country’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. As Australia’s leading retail peak industry body, the ARA is a strong pro-active advocate for Australian retail and works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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