By Claire Reilly
The National Retail Association (NRA) has today announced the top 25 finalists for its annual NRA Young Retailer of the Year award, with a strong showing from Australia’s electrical retailers.
The award, now in its 40th year, gives retail employees under the age of 25 the opportunity to gain recognition for their work in the industry and to compete for a place on the Westfield World Retail Study Tour in 2014. It is also timed to coincide with the Future of Retail Forum, run every year by the NRA, which brings together leaders in the industry to discuss changes in the retail sector.
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Speaking about the awards, NRA CEO Trevor Evans said younger retailers were vital to the continuing success of an industry that is constantly evolving.
“Retail is no longer confined to the bricks and mortar traditions of customer service and product knowledge; it has become a sector guided by multiple channels, complex consumer demands and ever-changing industry regulation,” said Evans.
“Retail is certainly evolving, and these future leaders have demonstrated that, to compete and prosper in this challenging market, you must be savvy in all areas.”
Of the 25 finalists, a number have been selected from electrical retail chains — including two each from Dick Smith and Harris Scarfe — as well as department stores Myer and David Jones and big box retailers such as Kmart and Target. Supermarket chain Woolworths also has two finalists in the list, while the food and apparel sectors are also strongly represented.
The awards will be presented at a special event at the Melbourne Hilton on the Park on 31 July, which will be attended by Myer CEO Bernie Brookes.
Full list of NRA Young Retailer of the Year Award finalists (provided by the NRA):
Graham Bowd, Dick Smith, NSW
Lauren Buckley, Boost Juice Bars, VIC
Medina Cicak, Yum! Restaurants – KFC, NSW
Hannah Dawson, Cue Clothing Co., NSW
Toby Drewett, Kmart, VIC
George Drivas, The Coffee Club, QLD
Paul Flavel, David Jones, VIC
Harrison Ford, Myer, VIC
Helen Kepa, The Islanders Board of Industry & Service, QLD
Emma Knox-Niven, Diva, QLD
Sarah Minson, Bonds, VIC
Brendan Nelson, McDonald's, QLD
Travis O’Brien, Leisure Retail, Super Retail Group, QLD
Alex Oldfield, Supercheap Auto, QLD
Jordann Oliphant, Woolworths, WA
Todd Pearson, Woolworths, WA
Scott Phillips, Kmart, QLD
Melissa Plews, Myer, WA
Aaron Reesby, Dick Smith, QLD
Matthew Ridley, Toys "R" Us, NSW
Glynn Simpson, Harris Scarfe, SA
Jaimee Stirling, Harris Scarfe, VIC
Joshua Strutt, Rebel Sport, QLD
Abigail Wakefield, Esprit, QLD
Joanna Zurzolo, Target Australia, SA