The National Retail Association has unveiled its 2017 award winners at their largest awards night in the organisation’s history.
The NRA held its premiere gala event last night at Doltone House in Sydney, with awards to recognise both retail businesses and the individuals who have excelled in the industry over the past 12 months.
NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said the 2017 award winners showcased the very best that the Australian retail industry has to offer.
“The judging panel had an extremely tough time deciding on the winners for each category, demonstrating the high calibre of nominees we had for 2017,” Ms Lamb said.
“The NRA would like to congratulate both the finalists and the winners. We would particularly like to say well done to Narell Hall of Karnon Enterprises for taking home Franchisee of the Year, and Myer’s Chloe Harris who won the coveted REST and Scentre Group Young Retailer of the Year.”
Employment Minister, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, delivered a message acknowledging the contribution that retail makes to the Australian economy.
“Retail trade is vitally important to the Australian economy and is our second largest employer with 1.2 million Australians working in the industry,” Minister Cash said.
“The retail industry is also the largest employer of young Australians, with so many people beginning their working life in a retail trade.
“The extremely high calibre of the Young Retailer of the Year award nominees shows what young Australians can achieve when they’re given a chance,” Minister Cash said.
The NRA was fortunate to have many wonderful partners who helped to make the night the success it was:
Scentre Group – Tim Roberts, General Manager Leasing:
“Being on the judging panel for the Young Retailer of the Year Award has been incredible to witness the passion and innovation coming from young people across the retail industry. As a proud sponsor, Scentre Group would like to congratulate all of the finalists and the winner,” Mr Roberts said.
Flight Centre – Francesca La Spina, Portative Sales, Events & Partnerships:
“It has been the highlight of my week to present The Customer Experience Award on behalf of Flight Centre Travel Group. It reiterates our philosophy and we recognise that our customers always have a choice. The key measure of whether we really are personally providing our customers with an amazing experience, an amazing product and a very caring service is they will return again and again, ” Ms La Spina said.
Nora Network – Paul Greenberg, Founder:
“I welcome the opportunity to celebrate success, and the National Retail Awards are just that. A glittering multi category awards evening, celebrating not only outstanding brands, but also outstanding people. I commend all the exceptional finalists and congratulate the winners in each category for their hard work, innovation, and steely determination to put the customer in the centre,” Mr Greenberg said.
2017 Award Judges
The NRA would like to thank each of the following judges for their contribution in performing the difficult task of deciding the 2017 winners:
Dr Gary Mortimer – Associate Professor QUT
Jerry Macey – Commonwealth Bank
Catherine van der Meulen – Inside Retail
Tim Schaafsma – Managing Director of Freedom Furniture
Joanna Arhontis – The New Retail Revolution
Craig Hobart – GM of Strategic Relations REST
Tim Roberts – GM of Leasing Scentre Group
Kirby Suttor – Shopping Centre Council Australia
Dr Louise Grimmer – University of Tasmania
2017 Award Winners
The full list of 2017 Retail Awards night winners are listed below:
Retail Category Awards
– Food/Beverage Retailer of the Year: Vinomofo
– Newsagency Retailer of the Year: Nextra Chermside
– Specialty Retailer of the Year: Supercheap Auto
– Multi-Category Retailer of the Year: Australian Geographic Co-op
Champion Awards
– NORA Innovation Champion of the Year: Two Dogs Hardware
– REST People Champion: HUGO BOSS
– Social Responsibility Champion: Biome
– Flight Centre Customer Experience Champion: Supercheap Auto
– Retailer of the Year: Supercheap Auto
Individual Awards
– Franchisee of the Year: Narell Hall, Karnon Enterprises Pty Ltd, Boost Juice
– Store Manager of the Year: Scott Boettcher, Supercheap Auto
– Outstanding Contribution to the Industry: Peter Birtles, CEO Super Retail Group
AMEX People’s Choice Award: Arlo + Co
REST & Scentre Group Young Retailer of the Year
– Runner Up: Luke Parish, BCF, Super Retail Group
– Winner: Chloe Harris, MYER
Photograph & Videography
The event was videoed and photographed by Hello Sweetheart Photography. To view the stunning photos from the evening, click here!
Watch this space for the event video.