Pet supply retailer PETstock has been named national retailer of the year at the 2018 Australian Retailers Association’s (ARA) eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards.

The family-owned business was recognised for its progressive leadership in the industry, having expanded its network of over 140 retail sites and 1800 team members across Australia and New Zealand in an increasingly competitive industry.

The Party People took home three awards, being named online retailer of the year, independent retailer of the year (2-5 stores) and retail leader of the year, while Brava Lingerie won this year’s excellence in customer experience award.

At the event in Melbourne on Thursday morning, ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman said the winners reflected the characteristics needed to thrive in the current retail climate.

“As online and global markets continue to challenge the retail industry, the variety of small, medium and large retailers capturing this year’s award titles showcases the diverse and extraordinary talent we have in Australian retail,” Zimmerman said.

“Every year the retail awards judging process gets harder, and this year’s winners are no exception as these remarkable retailers truly are a testament to the vibrant and progressive industry we are in today.”

The judging panel for this year’s awards included former CEO of Myer and adjunct industry fellow at Swinburne University of Technology, Bernie Brookes AM, founder of Australian Circular Fashion, Camille Reed, founder of augmented reality platform Plattar, Rupert Deans, country manager of Stocard, Radinck van Vollenhoen, and head of corporate affairs and communications at eftpos Australia, Warwick Ponder.

Brookes said the winners represented the outstanding leadership and innovative qualities required to succeed in a thriving and competitive industry.

RedBalloon founder and CEO Naomi Simson gave the keynote address, sharing her journey to retail success with the audience of 500 retail professionals.