By Sarah Falson
SYDNEY: The finalists for the Best Retail Store of the Year and the Best Retail Group awards in the 2007 Electrical Retailing Awards (ERAs) have been announced, with the winners set to be revealed tonight at a black-tie awards ceremony in Sydney.
Almost 300 people will gather tonight from 6:30 at the Sofitel Wentworth hotel ballroom to witness the results, with finalists in each category battling it out for the top spot at the second annual ERA awards.
The finalists for the Best Retail Store of the Year come from seven states, with each nominated as the best retail store in its state by over 100 suppliers from around Australia.
The Best Retail Store in New South Wales and ACT is Harvey Norman – Warrawong; in Victoria, Harvey Norman – Chadstone; in Queensland, Harvey Norman – Bundall; in South Australia, Harvey Norman – Marion; in Northern Territory, Harvey Norman – Darwin (2nd consecutive year), in Tasmania, Clive Peeters – Moonah; and in Western Australia, Retravision – Malaga.
The finalists for the Best Retail Group were also nominated from over 100 suppliers from around Australia. The five finalists are: Harvey Norman, Retravision, Good Guys, Clive Peeters and Narta.
The Best Retail Store of the Year and Best Retail Group awards are judged on customer appeal, staff knowledge, local marketing initiative, buying and operational efficiencies and sales success.
The awards are two of four major awards to be announced tonight, along with Product of the Year and Supplier of the Year.
The ERA Awards combine the efforts of the electrical retailing industry’s leading trade publication – Appliance Retailer – as well as the industry’s leading data provider – GfK Australia – in conjunction with a national judging panel representing a cross section of the industry’s leading retailers and the major suppliers and manufacturers.