Australia's leading retailers across large and small businesses have made their mark at the inaugural 2024 ARA Retail Awards, sponsored by principal partner American Express.
The event honoured retailers large and small from around the country across 14 categories including marketing, store design, sustainability, people and culture and innovation.
Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra congratulated all the nominees on their stellar contributions, and said it's never been more important to honour retailers who are raising the bar in the industry.
"We couldn't be prouder to shine a light on the businesses and individuals who are setting new standards and reshaping how Australian traders do business," Mr Zahra said.
"The inaugural ARA Australian Retail Awards were a glittering opportunity to honour some of the hardest working people in the retail sector. This event is now set to be permanent annual fixture on the retail calendar.
"We extended our warmest congratulations to these winners, as well as all the finalists, who have inspired us by proving what is possible during an undeniably challenging period for the retail sector.
"This is a sector that generates $420 billion for the Australian economy, and it's essential that we continue to recognise those who are making a positive change in our industry."
The 2024 ARA Retail Award winners by category are:
Shop Small Retailer of the Year - presented by American Express: Glow Collection
Sustainability Excellence: IKEA Australia
People and Culture Excellence: Craveable Brands
Innovation Excellence: 7-Eleven Australia
Franchisee Excellence: Australia Post- Stanhope Gardens Licensed Post Office
Marketing Campaign Excellence: Bunnings
Store Design Excellence: Repco
Customer Experience Excellence: Coles Digital App
Diversity, Equality and inclusion Excellence: IKEA Australia
Store Manager of the Year: Jovana Taleb, Optus
Emerging Talent of the Year: Gili Inbar, Finance Graduate at Coles Group
Retail Leader of the Year: Chad Burke, Head of Swaggle
Medium Retailer of the Year: Barbeques Galore
Major Retailer of the Year: Bunnings
Robert Tedesco, Vice President and General Manager of Global Merchant Services at American Express said the Awards highlight the resilience of Australian retailers.
"The inaugural ARA Retail Awards was a fantastic event celebrating the determination of retailers from around the country," Mr Tedesco said.
"Congratulations to all the winners for their remarkable contributions to the retail sector.
"We were delighted to award Glow Collection the Shop Small Retailer of the Year Award. Theirs is a story of hard work and dedication for more than two decades as small business owners, and they have managed to grow an impressive community of partners, too.
"By supporting small retailers through initiatives like the annual American Express Shop Small campaign, we're able to back the business owners who dedicate their time to serving their communities."
