Officeworks and Myer were among the big winners at the 2017 eftpos Australian Retail Awards held by the Australian Retailer’s Association (ARA) last week in Melbourne.
Besting the likes of Dan Murphy’s, Bunnings Warehouse, JB Hi-Fi, Aldi Australia and Ikea, the stationery chain was crowned Retailer of the Year, while Myer beat runner-up Bunnings to receive the People’s Choice award, the only category decided by customers.
Citing the challenges facing the retail industry today, ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman said it is important to recognise and celebrate the success of the industry’s standout performers.
“The exceptionally high standard of submissions we received this year was a profound reminder of the vibrant passion that encapsulates the retail industry,” Zimmerman said.
This year, the ARA improved the methodology to decide Retailer of the Year included three pillars of in-depth research, a change meant to ensure the selection process was not only credible but intellectually sound.
Officeworks was recognised for its rise to dominance in a $12 billion market sector, where it is now Australia’s largest supplier of office and stationery products.
On the other end of the spectrum, family-run retailer The Party People took home two awards: the Individual Retailer of the Year and Independent Retailer of the Year.
2017 eftpos ARA AUSTRALIAN RETAIL AWARDS WINNERS
eftpos Retailer of the Year
WINNER: Officeworks
Runners up: Dan Murphy’s, Bunnings Warehouse, JB HiFi, ALDI Australia, IKEA
eftpos Independent Retailer of the Year
WINNER: The Party People
Runner up: Nimble Activewear
Frontline Retail Employer of the Year
WINNER: ALDI Australia
Runner up: Peregrine Corporation
Pronto Software Retail Disruptor of the Year
WINNER: Airbnb Australia
Runner up: Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar
Temando Omni-channel Retailer of the Year
WINNER: EB Games
Runner up: PETstock
Shop-for-Shops Retail Store Fit-out of the Year 1-5 Store
WINNER: Nimble Activewear
Runner up: LUC Homewares and Design
Shop-for-Shops Retail Store Fit-out of the Year 6+ Store
WINNER: Readings Doncaster & Readings Kids
Runner up: Amart Furniture
REST Industry Super Individual Retailer of the Year
WINNER: Dean Salakas, The Party People
Runner up: Kelsey Subritsky, Pandora
The Realise Group People’s Choice Award
WINNER: Myer
Runner up: Bunnings Warehouse
ARA Retail Institute Corporate Social Responsibility Award
WINNER: Hill Street
FCB Group Retail HR Rising Star of the Year
WINNER: Shalysse Romer, Hugo Boss
2017 ARA Retail Hall of Fame Award
WINNER: Wilson Retail