Fast food chain, KFC, has been named Australian Retailer of the Year at this year’s National Retail Association’s Rewards for Excellence program.

The NRA’s Rewards for Excellence is the industry’s largest awards program, and recognises the best of the best in the retail industry, acknowledging individuals and businesses who have consistently proven themselves to be thought leaders in their field.

Trevor Evans, CEO of the NRA, said after a six year break in the Rewards for Excellence program, it was back and better than ever, with the quality of nominations for 2014 surpassing their greatest expectations.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring back Australia’s largest and most prestigious retail awards to recognise the deserving individuals and businesses who are setting a whole new standard of excellence in the sector,” Evans said.

“After years of downturn in retail, we are finally starting to see a consistent gradual incline in sales across the board, and it’s a credit to creative and passionate retailers like many of our Rewards for Excellence winners who are determined to see their businesses flourish.

“As the consumer environment continues to evolve, we need to look to those who are displaying innovation and putting their people and customers first, to ensure we are all continuing to perform to the best of our abilities.”

The winners of the 2014 NRA Rewards for Excellence are as follows:

• Small Retailer of the Year: Peter Baker-Finch & Co (Annerley, QLD)
• Medium Retailer of the Year: The Kookee Group
• Large Retail of the Year: Yum! Restaurants – KFC
• Franchise of the Year: Specsavers (Mount Ommaney, QLD)
• Fast Food Retailer of the Year: Boost Juice (Robina, QLD)
• Employer of the Year: Kikki. K
• Multichannel Retailer of the Year: Supercheap Auto
• Training Excellence Award: Foot Locker
• Innovation Excellence Award: Noodle Box
• Sustainability Excellence Award: Super Retail Group
• Safety Excellence Award: Harris Scarfe
• HR Practitioner of the Year: Kate Byrdy, Jeanswest
• CEO of the Year: Peter Birtles, Super Retail Group
• NRA Supreme Award – Retailer of the Year: Yum! Restaurants – KFC

The Rewards for Excellence awards were presented during the opening night of the NRA’s People and Operations Development (POD) Summit on the Gold Coast.