Young Retailer finalists revealed

 

NRA

The National Retail Association (NRA) has revealed the top 25 finalists in the running to take out the 2014 NRA Young Retailer of the Year Award.

The NRA Young Retailer of the Year competition, now in its 41st year, aims to showcase individuals of 25 and under, who are actively making a difference in their retail business, whether they are serving customers in a small corner store or managing accounts in the head office of a retail chain.

NRA CEO, Trevor Evans, said the NRA had scoured the country for the Australia’s best and brightest young retail workers and were inspired by the diversity and talent of this year’s finalists.

“The 2014 finalists have certainly demonstrated that the retail sector is no longer defined by the traditional customer service roles,” Evans said.

“Retail is evolving and these young future leaders have proved that if you’re savvy, innovative and committed to the cause you’ll prosper in this challenging market, and build an exciting career for yourself.”

The 25 finalists in the running to be crowned the Young Retailer of the Year include:

  • Cara Anderson, kikki.K – retail administration coordinator, VIC
  • Jacob Bache, Harris Scarfe – assistant store manager, TAS
  • Marnie Bain-Lindsay, Bardot – co-store manager, VIC
  • Mark Benham, Toys “R” Us – store assistant manager, SA
  • Justin Biega, Foot Locker Asia Pacific – district manager in training, NSW
  • Danielle Blunt, Spendless Shoes – assistant buyer, SA
  • Scott Boettcher, Supercheap Auto (Super Retail Group) – store manager, NT
  • Alysha Bolton, Tigerlily (GSM Operations) – NSW cluster manager, QLD
  • Medina Cicak, KFC (Yum! Restaurants International) – graduate leadership program/ restaurant manager, NSW
  • Elissa De Masi, Jurlique International – assistant store manager/ state beauty therapy mentor, WA
  • Patrick Lahood, Best and Less – store manager, NSW
  • Aaron Lum, Woolworths – buyer – household Ssorage, hangers, haberdashery, and seasonal gifting, NSW
  • Gareth McMaster, BCF (Super Retail Group) – store manager, QLD
  • Lydia Milligan, Shoes of Prey – retail store sales and marketing coordinator, NSW
  • Tilani Mitchell, Boost Juice Bars (The Kookee Group) – area manager, QLD
  • Jessica Ndenda, Michael Hill Jeweller – store manager and managers coach, QLD
  • Kristie O’Connor, Jeanswest – store manager, WA
  • Maral Ohanessian, Esprit – assistant store manager, NSW
  • Katherine Powell, Target – store manager, WA
  • Aaron Reesby, Dick Smith – store manager, QLD
  • John Sablyak, Kmart – stock inventory manager/ 2IC, VIC
  • Krystal Seymour, City Beach – HR recruitment coordinator, QLD
  • Joel Stevenson, Wallace Bishop Jewellers – loyal brand and service support manager, QLD
  • Alison To, Myer – category buyer’s assistant – Toys, VIC
  • Joanna Zurzolo, Target – store manager, SA

The award categories up for grabs include the 2014 NRA Young Retailer of the Year, Runner Up, Innovation Award, and Scholarship Award.

The winner will be announced at the gala dinner and awards ceremony on Friday September 26, in Sydney, and awarded a place on the 2015 Westfield World Retail Study Tour.

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