Mitcham Foodland recognised as IGA International Retailer of the Year
An Australian independent retailer has taken out the prestigious title of ‘IGA International Retailer of the Year’ at an awards ceremony held in Sydney on Sunday night.
The announcement, made at the 2009 IGA Global Summit Gala Dinner, added to a host of awards for the Romeo Retail Group whose state-of-the-art Mitcham Foodland store has recently attracted countless state and national accolades.
Competition for the title was truly global, with nominated stores hailing from countries across the world including the United States, Canada, Russia and China.
The judging was based on a store’s community involvement, range and offer, store growth and service.
Joseph Romeo, part owner of the Romeo Retail Group, dedicated the award to the loyal and passionate staff at the Mitcham store, as well as the customers who support the store every day. “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved with the Mitcham Foodland IGA store – it has been a great opportunity to extend ourselves and develop a store that really pushes the boundaries of retail technology,” he said.
Mitcham Foodland IGA was relocated and rebuilt in the Mitcham Shopping Centre, soon after the devastating fire that ripped through the complex in 2004. The new store incorporates cutting edge decor and photographic signage and was the first in the state to introduce an electronic ticketing system.
It is also focussed on improving its ‘fresh’ offer, with the produce department and deli sections having an enhanced range and better quality.
“The innovative technology and retail space we have created, along with our absolute commitment to fresh, have been key to our success at Mitcham,” Mr Romeo added. “To have our achievements recognised by our peers, not only nationally but internationally, is a great honour.”
The Romeo family and their Mitcham store also walked away with the top honour at last year’s Australian IGA Retailer of the Year Awards.
