National awards to recognise retail excellence
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has decided to recognise retail excellence via the establishment of the Australian Retailer of the Year awards.The nominees have already been announced for this year with eight contenders to challenge for the top award. The companies chosen are: David Jones, JB Hi Fi, Noni B, Rebel Sport, Super Cheap Auto, Sussan Group, The Reject Shop and Woolworths.
The inaugural awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner in Sydney on the 12 August 2008 as part of the National Retail Forum and Expo.
The inaugural Independent Retailer of the Year award will be presented to the “Best of the Best” of independent retailers who have been nominated by Local Government Councils throughout Australia. State awards will be handed out first, with the overall national winner to be determined from this group.
The ARA Young Retailer of the Year will also be determined at a state level with the national winner coming from the six state finalists.
The ARA announced their re-launch yesterday following a period during which they admit they “lost their way”.
“ARA is the peak industry body for retail employers and it is incumbent on us to represent and service members and the retail sector in policy development, employment relations, education and training, and career opportunities,” ARA Executive Director, Richard Evans, said. “The ARA had lost its way and failed to deliver on promises for some time. It is our duty to take back that space and own it again.”
As part of the reinvigoration, the ARA has established member policy committees as forums for advice and recruited leading experts in employment relations, corporate affairs and retail services.
“The ARA will also be re-invigorating revenue streams and facilitate a greater voice for all the disparate retail associations out in the market place,” Evans added.
For more information about the awards please visit www.retail.org.au.
