Nominations Up For Top Shop Auckland

Friday 7 July 2005

NOMINATIONS UP FOR TOP SHOP

Auckland shoppers have spoken, with a record number of nominations received by organisers of the Auckland Top Shop Awards 05.

More than 3,100 nominations have been received for more than 1,100 different stores throughout the Auckland region, the most in the award programme’s 18-year history.

The calibre and quality of the nominated stores has been impressive said Russell Sinclair, Northern Region Manager of the New Zealand Retailers Association.

'So has the level of detail in the nominations, reflecting the passion that shoppers have for their favourite stores, as well as the prestige of the awards,” he said.

Nominated stores now have until Friday 5 August to get their entries in for the awards.

'With nominations closed and entry packs dispatched to nominees, it’s up to retailers to get their entries in on time and be in the running for this year’s awards”, said Russell. 'We’re working to a very tight timeframe, so no late entries can be accepted.”

Run by the New Zealand Retailers Association, the purpose of the awards is to encourage and promote excellence in retailing. They are open to all retailers in the greater Auckland region, from Orewa to Pukekohe, who have been trading for over 12 months. There is also a special category for retailers who have been trading less than 12 months.

Categories include best start-up; specialty food and beverage; fashion, apparel and footwear; giftware and homeware; lifestyle, health and fitness; specialty store; general merchandise; and supermarket.

There is also a supreme award for Overall Top Shop and special awards for best service and best Westfield store.

Judging of the awards begins in August and is independent of the New Zealand Retailers Association. Stores are judged on excellence in customer service, product knowledge, selling skills and manner of staff, as well as the store’s atmosphere, design and layout.

Established in 1988, the awards have grown to become New Zealand’s premier retail excellence award.

'Both the Auckland public who nominate their favourite stores and the retail industry have bought into the importance of Top Shop, says Russell. 'The number of nominations this year is testament to that.”

For more information on the awards, visit

www.aucklandtopshop.co.nz. Nominees who have not yet received an entry pack should contact the New Zealand Retailers Association on 09 845 3550.

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