Page 8 - Retail World Magazine Jan/Feb 2021 TOB

NEWS IGA AWARDS RECOGNISE EXCEPTIONAL RETAILERS LTeading IGA stores were recognised at a ‘new look’ IGA Awards of Excellence in November, beamed across the nation via satellite for the first time. he IGA awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of independent retailers and their teams nationally who play a vital role in their local communities and are judged on a range of criteria including customer service, community pride, department excellence, brand values, merchandising and the store’s overall performance. Due to Covid-19 restrictions and border closures, the award ceremonies followed a different format from the traditional IGA National Awards of Excellence hosted on the Gold Coast in previous years. Events were instead held across the country, with Master MC Shane Jacobson hosting guests at the Hyatt Regency Sydney, with live crosses to Tim Campbell at the Park Hyatt in Melbourne, Giaan Rooney at the Hilton in Brisbane, and Jo Beth Taylor at the Crown in Perth. “The IGA Awards of Excellence acknowledge the hard work, commitment and excellence IGA stores across the country have demonstrated throughout the year,” Metcash Food CEO Scott Marshall said. “\\\[2020’s\\\] winners once again reflect the strength of the IGA network and the efforts that they go to support their local communities as only they know how. “In a year that’s been like no other, it’s so important to further recognise the efforts of all IGA retailers who’ve gone over and above, day in and day out, to ensure that their local communities were looked after. Therefore, rather than inducting just one retailer into the IGA Hall of Fame, we decided to induct the entire independent network to recognise their outstanding efforts on the frontline, overcoming the many challenges of 2020. Congratulations to all our winners.” The major award winners are: National Retailer of the Year and SUPA IGA Store of the Year: SUPA IGA Mt Cotton, Queensland. IGA Store of the Year: IGA Baldivis, Western Australia. IGA Xpress Store of the Year: IGA Xpress Alexandra Hills, Queensland. National IGA Retailer of the Year SUPA IGA Mt Cotton, Qld 6 RETAIL WORLD JAN/FEB, 2021 SUPA IGA Mt Cotton SUPA IGA Mt Cotton is described as a “destination to experience”. At what is often referred to as a “foodies’ paradise”, the SUPA IGA Mt Cotton team are said to genuinely care about creating an exceptional and unforgettable shopping experience every time a customer visits the store. With an expansive range of gourmet, cheese, delicatessen, and meat products complemented with fresh produce, bakery, sushi and its own in-store nutritionist to assist with healthy lifestyle choices, this store is heralded as “truly a standout”. Store owner Tyrone Jones said: “For over 25 years we’ve been passionate about providing fresh, high quality, good value products and produce for our local customers. “Every day we all go over and above to deliver a first-class shopping experience that is like no other, with a huge emphasis on always offering service with a smile. “We’re proud to be able to give back to our local community through our charity, Heart of the Community Foundation, wherever possible. This award acknowledges the hard work, commitment and passion of the entire team, who work hard every day to make this store what it is, and I couldn’t be prouder.” IGA Baldivis The “exceptional” team at IGA Baldivis pride themselves on setting high standards throughout the store, making it a priority to keep up with all the latest supermarket trends. With an in-store butcher on hand, a full-service delicatessen and an in-store bakery, the store offers a huge range tailored to meet the needs of their local customers. Devoted to assisting its local community, IGA Baldivis supports local sporting clubs, schools, and community initiatives wherever possible. “We’re delighted to have had the honour of being awarded IGA Store of the Year,” IGA Baldivis Manager Damien Rose said. “We strongly believe in locals supporting locals, and our fantastic staff, combined with our loyal customers and local suppliers, help make our store what it is.” IGA Xpress Alexandra Hills Owned by Dan and Jacki Rigney, IGA Xpress Alexandra Hills is not only a place where customers purchase their daily groceries, but it has also become a meeting place for locals to gather. Sitting at the heart of this tight knit community, the store’s bakery table doubles as a bench for locals waiting for their morning coffee. This is “a small store with a big heart” and the team go “above and beyond” to demonstrate that good old-fashioned personal service goes a long way. “It would be impossible for Jacki and I to run a successful business, win awards like this and do what we do at The Hills IGA Xpress without the hard work, loyalty and dedication of our amazing team,” Mr Rigney said. “We love what we do, and the entire team is committed to supporting our local community however we can. We look forward to the interactions we have with the locals every day and truly believe that every customer should leave our store feeling better for the experience and with a smile on their face.”