2018 has been a year of building on our theme ‘Better Together’ throughout the SPAR Australia network. Over recent years focus has been placed on topics such as store excellence, fresh, driving sales, the spirit of partnership, the basics of retail and showing passion for your business. These topics all lay important foundations for the businesses within SPAR’s network and Better Together is the fitting next step to ensure success and our partnership in this great independent network.
The execution of SPAR’s key strategies, are integral in achieving positive results in this extremely competitive retail environment and building a value statement to our customers. It’s now time to improve the network’s performance, both in qualitative and quantitative aspects. It’s about excelling in customer service, improving sales results, achieving exceptional teamwork, implement a focused range, clear the clutter, keep our stores clean & fresh and merchandise for sales. SPAR’s role in the independent retail landscape is vital, providing choice for Retailers and ensuring competition in the sector. As always, SPAR’s focus on mutual growth with both their Retail and Supplier partners is at the heart of the philosophy of this great brand, working Better Together.
Celebrating another successful Trade Show, more than 300 guests attended the SPAR Australia annual Gala Awards Dinner which was held at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre. Retailers, Suppliers as well as the Directors and staff of SPAR Australia joined to celebrate the achievements of SPAR Retailers over the last year.
Held in the evening on Saturday, July 28th, the Gala Awards Dinner was hosted by The Corporate Imposter, Homer Papantonio and guests were entertained by Off The Leash.
The nominees and winners were announced for the first time on the night! The awards were presented by SPAR Australia Managing Director, Mr Lou Jardin, and SPAR Guild Council Deputy Chair, Mr Bob Little. In a night designed to acknowledge the Retailers who partnered with SPAR Australia to drive growth for businesses, SPAR would like to congratulate the following Retailers on their success in their respective categories:
- SPAR Store of the Year 2018 – SPAR Urunga
- SPAR Express Store of the Year 2018 – SPAR Express Terrigal
SPAR Australia’s Retail Awards Program identifies and recognises Retailers who are excelling in their businesses. The past twelve months, has seen a record amount of stores re-investing in their businesses, mainly thanks to the funds that they have received through the SPAR Loyalty Bonus. The awards were presented by SPAR Australia’s General Manager – Retail Operations & Business Development, Mr John Costanzo. Congratulations to the following Retailers for their success in the Department Awards:
- SPAR Grocery Award – SPAR Maclean
- SPAR Express Grocery Award – SPAR Express Kalbar
- SPAR Dairy / Freezer Award – SPAR Urunga
- SPAR Express Dairy / Freezer Award – SPAR Express Terrigal
- SPAR Fresh Food Award – SPAR Babinda
- SPAR Express Fresh Food Award – SPAR Express Yamba
- Food To Go Award – SPAR Lismore
Our first Special Award was for the Brand Ambassador of the Year. The Retailers who were considered for this award achieve compliance to SPAR’s promotional program, demonstrate support of the SPAR warehouse, have a tailored local offer, are strongly involved in their communities and are stores SPAR are proud to have our brand on.
Brand Ambassador of the Year Award 2018 – Mr Nick Holman – SPAR Jandowae
Stores who were considered for the Community & Customer Service Excellence Award are actively involved in local community activities, undertake local sponsorships, provide a tailored local offer, provide exceptional customer service, demonstrate ongoing efforts to continually find new ways to better serve their local community & live by both SPAR and family business values.
Community & Customer Service Excellence Award 2018 – SPAR Maclean
The final Special Award for Store Investment recognises all the stores that have invested time and money into their businesses over the past 12 months. The stores have completed works that range from investing in department upgrades through to the addition of new departments and total store refits. It’s great to see the level of investment and commitment to improvement within SPAR’s retail network.
- Store Investment Excellence Award 2018 –
- SPAR Glenwood Drive
- SPAR Express Byron Bay
- SPAR Urunga
- SPAR Coffs Harbour
- SPAR Babinda
- SPAR Express Ngunnawal
- 5 STAR Macleay Island
- SPAR Express Yamba
- SPAR Halifax
- SPAR Torquay
- SPAR Blackall
- SPAR Maclean
- SPAR Chirn Park
- SPAR Ballina
- SPAR Lismore
- SPAR Dunedoo
In addition to the awards presented to Retailers, two suppliers were recognised for their stands at the Trade Show. SPAR would like to congratulate the following suppliers on their success in the stand awards and thank them for the effort they put into the event:
- Small Supplier Stand 2018 – Patties Bakery
- Large Supplier Stand 2018 – Tip Top Bakeries
SPAR Australia would like to congratulate all Retailers who were nominated in the 2018 SPAR Retail Awards and made the judging process an extremely competitive one.
Since becoming Managing Director of SPAR Australia in December 2010, Lou Jardin has vowed to continue to provide competition at the wholesale level, ensuring independent Retailers are able to source deals that allow them to compete in the market and ensure the survival of family businesses in the grocery industry.
Locally owned and operated, SPAR stores are part of the worldwide SPAR family. Over 12,770 SPAR stores in over 48 countries across 4 continents meet the needs of over 13.5 million customers daily. At SPAR our customers can be assured of great service, a great range, low prices every day and specials that will SAVE them money!