By Martin Vedris

SYDNEY: With just three weeks to go until the 2008 Electrical Retailing Awards, the five finalists for the Best Floorcare Supplier award have been announced. Dyson, the defending category winner, is again in the running.

In alphabetical order, the five finalists, selected on the basis of their total sales value in the category (as measured by GfK) are: Dyson, Electrolux, Miele, Vax, Volta.

A panel of retailers from all over Australia will vote on the winner from these five finalists. The retail judging panel includes representatives from Retravision, Betta Electrical, The Good Guys, Harvey Norman and NARTA members.

The criteria retailers are voting on are: Design/appearance and innovation; Profitability/margin; Promotional/advertising support; sales representation and service backup; and Sales growth to category.

These finalists could also be in the running for a Product of the Year Award. The criteria for this award are: Design innovation; Opening up a new market; and Unique selling points.

The ERA Awards will be held at the Sofitel Wentworth in Sydney on Friday 4 April 2008. To book tickets email Ana Melo e Azevedo at ana@intermedia.com.au or phone (02) 9660 2113.