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EVENTS EXCEPTIONAL INDEPENDENT STORES celebrated LTeading IGA stores have been formally recognised at the annual Queensland and Northern NSW IGA Awards of Excellence. he dedicated efforts of The judging criteria for the Awards by the outstanding quality of entries this independent retailers and of Excellence include customer year in Queensland and northern NSW,” the roles they play in their service, community pride, department Mr Leisk said. “These stores have not communities have been excellence, brand values, merchandising only delivered personalised experiences celebrated and recognised by the IGA and the store’s overall performance. to the shoppers who come through Awards of Excellence since 2001. At this years’ state-based awards, 10 stores across Queensland and northern NSW were honoured for their various strengths. SUPA IGA Mt Cotton was the big winner, being named Queensland SUPA IGA Store of the Year as well as scoring five department awards. SUPA IGA Mt Cotton is described as a “foodies paradise” with “hidden gems” that cater to its customers. With an expansive range of gourmet, cheese, delicatessen and meat products complemented with fresh produce, bakery, sushi and its own nutritionist in-store to assist with healthy lifestyle choices, this store is said to be truly a standout. The stores are said to be an integral part of their local communities, while the dedicated teams who work in them “put the heart and soul back into shopping”. This year, the awards were presented to the store teams by Metcash Supermarkets General Manager Queensland and Northern NSW Roy Leisk and Queensland and Northern NSW State Board Chairman Frank Spano. “Once again, we’ve been blown away their doors, but they also go above and beyond to bring benefit to their local community and the independent retail grocery industry.” Mr Spano added: “Local grocers are at the heart and soul of communities across the state and nation. They’re constantly working in the background to do everything they can for their local area, including tailoring their product offering to their local catchments, supporting local farmers and suppliers, and being involved in community events. “I’d like to extend my congratulations to each of the store winners, who work hard for their local communities each and every day.” “Local grocers are at the heart and soul of communities across the state and nation.” 24 RETAIL WORLD APR, 2020