CATEGORIES
Reading Retail Awards 2019 has 12 categories to compete for amidst intense competition amongst Reading’s retailers..
BEST NEW STORE – SPONSORED BY READING BID Central
This category is open to all retail sectors (including food and drink) and all sizes of store. The judges will be looking for innovation and creativity in the design of the store, which should be in or around Reading. Refurbished stores opened in the last 12 months may also enter but must be able to demonstrate an uplift in sales following the implementation of the store redesign.
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE – SPONSORED BY READING BUSES
Awarded to a retail person or team that has provided exemplary customer service with their efforts, attitude and product knowledge. A sales or service person or group of people that may have impressed you with the care and help shown to delight you or gone that extra mile.
INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Insight6
Awarded to an independent retailer who, demonstrates an individual, innovative and exemplary customer service experience either in-store or on-line including any type of click and collect service. These businesses are greatly loved and supported by local shoppers and often provide a town with a special element of quality and uniqueness which is worthy of special recognition and local accolade. To qualify for this category, the business will operate in the Reading Borough. Entrants must be independent retailers who own 5 stores or fewer. Entries must be for a single nominated store and all submitted information should relate to the performance of that store.
MULTIPLE RETAILER OF THE YEAR
Awarded to a multiple retailer who, demonstrates an exemplary customer service experience in their store and / or on-line in and around Reading. Typically, these retail businesses are well known chains of shops and stores represented across the entire United Kingdom. They will invariably be household names that are continually evolving their own brand products and which may also include click and collect services in order to increase their public popularity, customer experience and share of consumer spend.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - sponsored by Reading BID central
In this tenth anniversary year, the Reading Retail Awards seek to reward an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to Reading’s retail community over the last 10 years. We are looking for an exceptional individual who, during this time, has shown drive, passion and commitment… somebody that has dedicated their life to the industry .
MANAGER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY HAMMERSON
Awarded to a store manager from a retail store of any size or sector that has demonstrated excellent brand delivery or company’s values and message. They will have shown inspirational leadership, excellent retail and general management skills. Possible areas for recognition could include; staff incentives or training, introductions of new services for the benefits of customers, environmental innovations and enhancements to customer satisfactions. This award is open to all store managers no matter what size their store or business. Managers should be put forward by their company or team, but the individual must have given their consent to be nominated.
CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT - Sponsored by Ikea
This award recognises commitment to preserving and caring for the environment and Reading. Retailers should be able to demonstrate a positive impact across a number of areas that could include the environment, market place, workplace and or the local community.
HAIR & BEAUTY
This new award aims to provide a platform to recognise and reward the talent of those that make a real difference within the local hair and beauty sector. This award celebrates the best hairdressing, barbering and beauty businesses in Reading. The salons and people that help make our personal world a more beautiful place to live in. Somewhere that has made you look or feel fabulous, a salon or practise that consistently provides an excellent environment.
HEALTH & WELL-BEING – SPONSORED BY SPECSAVERS
This new award is open to all retailers which count health or well-being as their main operation. This could be a health retailer or service provider that has demonstrated outstanding retail skills, good customer care, product knowledge or excellent execution of service.
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR - sponsored by The Breeze
This prestigious award will be presented to a restaurant that exceeds customer expectations not only in terms of service and quality of food, but also choice and ambience. This may be a lunchtime or evening destination that demonstrates consistently great food with a warm and welcoming service.
CAFES & COFFEE – SPONSORED BY PREMIER & ANGELS SCHOOL OF MOTORING
Awarded to a coffee shop or cafe that has demonstrated quality and range in its products, good level’s of customer service and speed of service. This category can embrace a wide range of venues to sit down, drink tea, coffee or other non alcoholic beverages, rest, relax, meet friends or discuss business. It could be as simple as comfortable seating, nice surroundings, welcoming service or quality and value for money.
PUB OF THE YEAR
This new award recognises all the ingredients that make a great pub or indeed gastro pub! The judges will focus on atmosphere, decor, customer service, value for money and customer feedback.
RETAILER OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by The Hilton
This award cannot be entered directly as it will be determined by the judges. The winner of this most prestigious award is expected to be identified from within one of the categories announced at the awards ceremony evening.