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THE SEARCH FOR NORTHERN IRELAND’S RETAILING INDUSTRY CHAMPIONS KICKS OFF
14th June 2010
The search to discover the champions of the independent grocery retailing industry has kicked off with the glorious launch of the 12th annual Neighbourhood Retailer Awards – one of the most hotly anticipated dates on the local retailing calendar.
The search to discover the champions of the independent grocery retailing industry has kicked off with the glorious launch of the 12th annual Neighbourhood Retailer Awards – one of the most hotly anticipated dates on the local retailing calendar. Organised by Neighbourhood Retailer magazine, the industry’s premier publication for the grocery sector, and supported for the fifth consecutive year by platinum sponsor Bank of Ireland, these prestigious awards seek to celebrate and reward grocery-retailing excellence and are the province’s most definitive and longest standing retailing awards for the industry.
Since their inception over a decade ago, the Neighbourhood Retailer Awards have made a significant contribution to the grocery retailing industry across the province by marking key achievements and highlighting all that is great about the sector. Designed primarily to recognise and reward professionalism, and independently judged by specialist company Spotcheck NI, these highly esteemed awards help to raise industry standards by honouring and acknowledging a broad reach of retailers from local supermarkets, independent grocers, garage forecourts, off-licences, chemists, CTNs (confectioners/tobacconists/newsagents) and symbol groups,as well as manufacturers and suppliers who together all form a crucial part of the Northern Ireland economy.
Over the past couple of years, the sector has experienced an increase in top-up shopping by consumers keen to buy only as needed during the recession. At a time of economic challenge, convenience retailers have taken on an even more significant role in the local community. Convenience stores have responded well to the subsequent value demands and have become more price competitive introducing more private label ranges and have adapted to become more innovative. This has led to a sales rise of approximately 7.7 per cent in 2009 in the symbol sector alone.
At the awards launch Bill Penton, Managing Editor and Publisher commented: “The Neighbourhood Retailer Awards were conceived in 1999 to recognise and reward retailers who are at the top of their game and are making an outstanding contribution to the sector. Over the last 12 years the Awards have also helped build confidence at key times during the longstanding fight against the multiples and have reinforced the important role that these traditionally family owned independent retailers play in each of the communities they serve.”
Bill continues: “I would like to take this opportunity to give a sincere thank you to all of our sponsors and entrants alike and I would like to encourage retailers who feel that they have what it takes to take home an award in one of the 16 categories - including the prestigious Retailer of the Year Award - to get the ball rolling and give it their best shot.”
Also speaking at the launch, Frank Boyle, Regional Manager - “Bank of Ireland’s continued support of these awards reflects our commitment to helping the retail grocery sector strengthen and develop its appeal. This award scheme provides the opportunity for stores to demonstrate their competitive edge and their contribution to communities right across Northern Ireland. As a market leader in providing financial and advisory services to this sector, we have been impressed by the very high standards of service evident in local grocery retailing, and they have got better year after year. Store owners and operators who hope to score a victory in the 2010 awards will have to be on the ball. "
Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive, NIIRTA, (Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association) adds: “These prestigious awards are without doubt a highlight of the retailing calendar in Northern Irelandand are a key industry initiative which help to keep standards high. I would certainly encourage local retailers to support this event and also enter these important awards.”
Guests can look forward to a fun filled evening as the Neighbourhood Retailer Awards 2010 promises to be a night of celebration, showcasing retailing triumphs and successes.
This year, for the first time, entries for the Awards can be submitted online by logging on www.neighbourhoodretailerawards.com. The awards are judged independently andthe deadline for entries is Wednesday 30th June 2010 at 5pm.
This year’s presentation of awards will be held on Friday 22nd October 2010 at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast. For further information on the Neighbourhood Retailer Awards 2010 please contact Pamela Beers on 028 9045 7457 or email pamela.beers@pentonpublications.co.uk.
Ends.
© Bank of Ireland 2012
