Retailers were treated to a night of exquisite food and wine, industry networking and entertainment.
The highlight of the evening was the much-anticipated awards presentation where retailers from every corner of the country competed for the Retailer of the Year, Young Retailer of the Year, Independent Retailer of the Year and Retail Innovation of the Year national titles.
Entrants were of an extremely high calibre and are testament to Australia’s reputation as world leaders in retail. The ARA thanks everyone across Australia who entered.
The ARA would like to give a special thanks to our event partner Shopping Centre Council of Australia and our event supporter Australian Business Limited Apprenticeships Centre.
Recipients of the 2008 ARA Retail Awards:
2008 Australian Retailer of the Year – Supercheap Auto
Supercheap Auto took out the retail industry’s top honour when they were crowned the 2008 Australian Retailer of the Year. Founders Reg and Hazel Rowe opened Supercheap Auto’s first store in 1974 from the modest earnings of their home-based mail order business. Today Supercheap Auto is thriving with 250 stores across Australia and New Zealand, specialising in automotive parts and accessories and stocking a range of tools and accessories for the DIY home handyman, as well as products for the garage and shed. Supercheap Auto Group (incorporating Supercheap Auto, Boating Camping and Fishing (BCF) and Goldcross Bikes) is now the seventh largest retailing company in Australia by market capitalisation. www.supercheapauto.com.au
2008 Australian Young Retailer of the Year – Ian Sackett (Camera House)
Camera House’s Wollongong Trainee Manager Ian Sackett was recognised as the 2008 Australian Young Retailer of the Year. The 22 year old Ian Sackett started with Camera House on a 12 month traineeship in 2003 and since then has shown commitment to establishing a career in retail by completing accredited training in retail operations. www.camerahouse.com.au
2008 Australian IndependenRetailer of the Year
Bungendore Wood Works Gallery was named 2008 Australian Independent Retailer of the Year. Opened in 1983, the gallery specialises in exhibiting and promoting Australian wood art, sculpture and furniture and attracts an average of 120,000 tourists and visitors each year. www.bwoodworks.com.au
2008 ARA Retail Innovation Award – IGA
IGA received the 2008 Retail Innovation Award accolade for its commitment to environmental sustainability, displaying innovation and leadership to reduce plastic bag usage through government acceptance of a joint education campaign. The campaign increased recycle content of all plastic bags from zero to thirty percent across one billion bags sold, and created new sales of two million alternate carry bags. www.iga.net.au
State finalists for 2008 ARA Retail Awards:
2008 VIC Independent Retailer of the Year
Dandenong’s Gemini Catering Equipment & Uniforms (Owner – Jennifer Puppa)
2008 VIC Young Retailer of the Year
Jaclyn Connelly (Franchisee – Muffin Break, Northland)
2008 NSW Independent Retailer of the Year
Bungendore Wood Works Gallery (Owner – David MacLaren)
2008 NSW Young Retailer of the Year
Ian Sackett (Trainee Manager – Camera House, Wollongong)
2008 QLD Independent Retailer of the Year
Busteed Building Supplies (Ernie Blanchard)
2008 QLD Young Retailer of the Year
Dean Robson (Manager – The Reject Shop, Queens St Mall)
2008 SA Independent Retailer of the Year
Hyde Park’s Flourish (Owner – Jackie Leo)
2008 SA Young Retailer of the Year
Kate Cocks (Store Manager – The Reject Shop, Colannades)
2008 WA Independent Retailer of the Year
Denmark Supa IGA (Bob Cybula)
2008 WA Young Retailer of the Year
Aimee Johns (Owner – Keith + Lottie)
2008 TAS Independent Retailer of the Year
Anvers Confectionery (Juanita Lowry Retail Manager)
