The nation's most exceptional retailers have been shortlisted for the inaugural ARA Australian Retail Awards, with a sustainable denim company, an Australian-made scent and candle brand, and a beloved second-hand goods shop alongside some of Australia's best known national and international brands as some of the top contenders.
The categories cover customer experience, diversity and inclusion, emerging talent, franchisee excellence, innovation, marketing, people and culture, store design and store manager excellence. The event also awards best of the best among small, medium and large retailers.
Australian Retailers Association (ARA) CEO Paul Zahra says the 2024 shortlisted finalists are a credit to the retail sector.
"We have had a terrific industry response to our inaugural awards. The independent judges have said that it's been a tough choice in many categories, with some highly competitive contenders. These finalists are stand-outs in their field with all of them actively contributing to Australia's $420 billion retail sector.
"From small businesses and franchisees to major corporations, Australia is leading the charge when it comes to world-class products, service and staff.
"We're especially pleased to see remarkable achievements in the fields of diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as in innovation.
"We are thrilled to honour the finalists and announce the winners at this year's Australian Retail Awards next month on 19 September at Crown Melbourne. It's a night not to be missed."
"We are grateful for the significant contribution American Express has made in partnering with us to support the establishment of this inaugural awards event, and also thank our esteemed judges for their valuable contribution to this result," said Mr Zahra.
2024 ARA Awards finalists:
Customer Experience Excellence:
- Miss Amara
- Coles Digital app
- Myer Customer Experience Excellence
- Petbarn
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Excellence:
- Coles Supermarkets
- David Jones
- IKEA Australia Refugee Workforce Inclusion
- Woolworths Group
Emerging Talent of the Year:
- Cigdem Bacanak (Heinemann Oceania)
- Gili Inbar (Coles)
- Kristin Theile (Craveable Brands)
- Tom Woodall (Barbeques Galore)
Franchisee Excellence:
- Australia Post – Licensed Post Office
Innovation Excellence:
- 7-Eleven Innovation My 7-11 App
- Coles Supermarkets Loss Prevention Innovations
- IKEA Kreativ
- Red Rooster, Crave Ware
Major Retailer of the Year:
- Bunnings
- JB Hi-Fi
- Officeworks
- Red Rooster
Marketing Campaign Excellence:
- Bunnings - Hammerbarn
- Coles
- PETBAN
- Salvos Stores
Medium Retailer of the Year:
- Barbeques Galore
- Hardware and General (H&G)
- Heinemann Oceania
People and Culture Excellence:
- Barbeques Galore
- Craveable Brands
- Heinemann Oceania
Retail Leader of the Year:
- Chard Burke (Coles)
- Gary Stones (Myer)
- Katrina Chung (Woolworths)
- Zeinab Elzghir (Heinemann Oceania)
Shop Small Retailer of the Year:
- Bourke St the Label
- Exurbia
- Glow Collection
- Jean Pool
Store Design Excellence:
- Barbeques Galore (Various)
- Petbarn (Surry Hills)
- Repco (Caroline Springs)
- Woolworths Supermarkets (Kellyville Grove)
Store Manager of the Year:
- Blair Stuart (Repco)
- Jovana Taleb (Optus)
- Matthew Cooper (Barbeques Galore)
- Winus Winus (Woolworths)
Sustainability Excellence:
- Andersen's Floor Coverings
- Coles Finest Carbon Neutral Pork
- IKEA Australia Zero Emissions Home Deliveries
- Jean Pool
