It was a big morning for retailers last Thursday morning with the 2019 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards announcing the winners.
Some of Australia’s largest retailers such as PETstock, Vodafone and Coles attended the ceremony held at Myer Mural Hall in Sydney.
ARA executive director, Russell Zimmerman, says the vast scale of retailers in attendance shows their commitment to the retail industry.
“Although the retail landscape will continue to be disrupted by emerging technology and international competitors, it is truly gratifying to see the industry filled with hardworking retailers who continue to power retail through innovation and adaption,” he says.
“Our annual Awards program is an excellent platform for retailers to come together, network, share stories, and most importantly support one another. Their ongoing passion and dedication is what and contributes to the vitality of the $320 billion sector.”
With 12 awards up for grabs, some of the winners include Biome (2019 Pronto retail innovator of the year), First Choice Liquor Market―Coles Liquor (2019 store design and fit-out of the year), PETstock (2019 FCB Retail Employer of the Year) and Chelsea McIntosh, owner of Spoilt Gift and Homewares, who won 2019 Retail Business Woman of the Year.
McIntosh says she was truly thrilled to win the award and to be recognised as a leader in the retail industry.
“The award ceremony was a great opportunity for me to share our business successes with my team and to celebrate the results of all our hard work,” she enthuses.
The retail industry is constantly changing through sales channels, social media and technology advances, McIntosh adds.
“Our most recent business strategy is to embrace this change instead of resisting it. We recognise our customer needs are changing and Spoilt is constantly adapting and improving to ensure we are building lasting relationships with our customers.
“Winning the Retail Business Woman Award is a career highlight and has already allowed me to connect with other amazing businesswomen in our industry. Although I believe it is tough out there for retailers, if we find our niche, connect with our customers and offer value we can thrive.”
Since its launch in 2005, Spoilt Gift and Homewares has expanded from a single, bricks and mortar store to a chain across Melbourne as well as an online business.
McIntosh says she found a gap in the market when it came to tourists.
“Running a retail business for over 10 years I have seen the industry change,” she explains.
“Many souvenir stores have fairly generic products and we found our customers commonly asking for Australian and Melbourne souvenirs to send overseas to friends and family that were a bit more unique and special than what they had seen elsewhere.
“With so many visitors coming from all over the world and from interstate to Melbourne, I could see the potential for my business to really hone in on this market and provide beautiful products for them to take back home with them as gifts.”
By Marion Gerritsen
