2010 Wellington TOP SHOP Winners
Congratulations to the 2010 Wellington Category Winners
Large Format - Sponsored by Visa International
Winner - Wellington City New World “Wellington City New World is proud to be a leader in the Supermarket Industry, offering Value, with Quality and Service, being able to meet most customer demands having available what they want, when they need it, 17 hrs day 7 days a week” Brent Doile.

Judges' comments
"The experience in this store was exceptional. All the staff was very positive and clearly enjoyed working in store. A very well presented and spotlessly clean environment."
1st Runner Up - M10 Mega, Petone "We are NZ's largest Home Improvement Warehouse offering a massive range of products including specialist departments such as Kitchen / Bathroom Design. We have a purpose built undercover all weather Timber & Building Materials drive through. A 2000sqm Garden Centre reputed to be Wellington's best. Depts that extend from Hardware to Power tools, from Flooring to Large Appliance, from Paint to Electrical. All supported by what we consider to be the most knowledgeable, second to none sales team. Offering the lowest price in a shopping environment that is currently seen as "being world-class" and the benchmark by which all others are judged. Why would anyone want to shop anywhere else?" Paul Hammond

2nd Runner Up - Railway Metro New World "Railway Metro New World strives for superior service, merchandising and range that fits our convenient brand of supermarket retailing. We are innovative, hard working, and love making retailing fun." - Karl Maryatt

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Fashion, Footwear and Accessories Category - Sponsored by Student Job Search
Winner - Rodd and Gunn Lambton Quay "We are a store that offers a man the comfort in shopping, a place where he can leave home and enter a place where he feels comfortable and gets what he needs in one shop." - Rowen Steenkamp

Judges' comments
"Well designed store and offers great service, the atmosphere is set to take you to another place and puts you in the right frame of mind to check out the clothing."
1st Runner Up - Lazule, Cuba Street "We are one of Wellingtons largest suppliers of Sterling silver jewellery, and have an amazing selection of semi-precious stones, we have something for every age group, and prices vary from $13.50 right up! We are here to help people find the perfect piece of jewellery, whether it is for them selves, or a gift." - Olivia Utting

2nd Runner Up - Kid Republic Thorndon "What sets us apart is the huge range of product we do and the way we deliver it to the customer. Not just babywear or just children's wear but EVERYTHING in between. From maternity wear through to children's clothing up to 14 years (which is very difficult to find). We don't just do fashion we do practicality too, carefully choosing items that are going to feel comfortable and wash well (and of course look great) Our stores are colourful and beautifully merchandised. But BEST of all our staff love what they do and KNOW what they are talking about." - Lisa Pomare

* * * * * * *Lifestyle & Wellbeing Category - Sponsored by Westpac
Winner - Photo Espresso, Victoria Street, Wellington "We are a unique store! we are a espresso bar & camera store all in one, you can sit and have a coffee and chat, or you can print off your family photos and while you wait for them to print enjoy a mojo coffee. We also are also the only place in wellington you can get polaroid film, we have a great range of funky Lomo cameras & amazing staff to see to all your needs!" - Ange Brosnan

Judges' comments
"This is a very unique store offering something very special in service and surroundings, making the overall shopping experience very memorable."
1st Runner Up - PianoShop, Plimmerton "At PianoShop we believe that the lifelong relationship between a client and their piano is like no other. We go to great lengths to match make each client to their perfect piano offering an unparalleled selection of upright and Grand pianos to suit all levels and budgets. Clients can tour of busy on site factory and experience piano artisans working on amazing projects or select directly from our New or completed instruments online or at from our Plimmerton Showroom." - Cameron Crawford

2nd Runner Up - Hardy's Health Stores - Kapiti Coast "Hardy's Health Store in Coastlands is unique and wonderful because of our people. We all care about our customers’ health and most importantly, we are all trained to provide a very high level of expertise and service. We all love what we do and know that every day we are making a difference to our customers’ lives and their health." - Angela Torr
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Giftware & Homeware Category - Sponsored by Viaduct
Winner - t Leaf T - Dukes Arcade, Wellington "t leaf T’s point of difference lies in the highly experiential selling environment we wrap around our products: engaging customer more fully; stirring their senses, assisting and inspiring great choices to enhance the purchase experience and ensure satisfaction – with the ultimate goal of drawing people back time and time again." - Nicky Allardice

Judges' comments
"An excellent store, friendly & welcoming and beautifully displayed goods. A great sales assistant who was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Truly an Impressive store."
1st Runner Up - Oyster, Petone "Oyster aspires to be the best gift and design gallery around AND we're actively involved in growing Jackson Street as the best shopping strip with the most unique boutique stores." - Jacqui Walker and Pip Dean

2nd Runner up - Te Papa Store "A stunning range of quality, hand crafted NZ Designed and Made gifts." - Kyrie Peldmanis

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Speciality Category - Sponsored by Advantage Business
Winner - Otis and Louie Ltd, Northland, Wellington "Clients tell us that we are interesting, quirky, and have quality unique products and services for dogs, cats and owners. We specialise in offering upmarket and natural pet products."

Judges' comments
"A great looking store inside and out. Fabulous presentation and layout in store.
This business showed true integrity, as they staff were very passionate about their products and welfare of the animals."
1st Runner Up - Living HQ, Plimmerton "Living HQ provides a relaxed stylish environment as an integral part of the garden centre complex. Furniture and accessories are selected to reflect classic style with a look of "today". Shoppers appreciate the personal touch of a small business, often working with the store owner. Living HQ customer relationships are often enduring, reflecting the level of service we aim to provide. Price points are competitive, with an emphasis on quality that is good value. In particular, Living HQ is the region's stockist for IMG recliners, and is a destination for shoppers for these outstanding comfort chairs." - Jeff Elias

2nd Runner Up - Art Frames, Porirua "We offer our customers an unhurried, relaxed environment, where they can work together with professional, highly qualified framing staff to design a one off, custom made, quality framing solution. Every item that Art Frames works on is unique and the design of the completed framing is individual to it’s owner. All work is undertaken onsite by the same qualified staff that assisted the customer in the design process, utilising the latest in computer technology and the most modern, up to date specialist equipment." - Janice Morgan

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Food & Beverage Category - Sponsored by Dish and NZRetail Magazines
Winner - Butlers Chocolate Cafe - Westfield Queensgate
and
1st Runner Up - Butlers Chocolate Cafe - Willis Street "Butlers Chocolate Cafe is unique in that it combines two wonderful traditions; coffee at its best, coupled with the enjoyment of premium handmade chocolates." - Peter Kelly

Judges' comments
"Excellent surroundings in store, well presented and also offer superior customer service, and their hot chocolate is to die for!"
2nd Runner Up - Preston's Master Butchers - Torrens Terrace "We are Wellington’s oldest and most recognised Master Butcher. However, in today’s frantic world, people have less time to shop and more variety to choose from, meaning our customers have to make a conscious effort to shop with us. We cater for everyone who enjoys food, and since every meal is important, we want to make any shopping experience with us exceed all expectations. With our Master Butchers we can custom cut your choice of meat just the way you like it, suggest different condiments or a bottle of wine to match, and have over 100 years of shared knowledge to provide cooking tips and advice." - Andrew Preston

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Start-Up Category - Sponsored by Paymark
Winner - The Toy Store NZ Ltd, Lower Hutt "At The Toy Store you'll experience enjoyable and affordable shopping for toys that your kids will love for years. We focus on unique toys with educational value - we do not sell the plastic, licensed items sold by others. The Toy Store has a light, bright and spacious environment with friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff. We have a kids play area and a number of items on display - we encourage hands on exploration of our toys. In addition we run a fun monthly kids competition and offer fundraising options for local centres, kindys and schools." - Bridgitte Fletcher-Jenssen

Judges' comments
"Wonderful shopping experience here, the staff were very friendly and helpful.
Great interaction with children and very happy explain how the toys worked."
Runner Up - Brotherhood, Old Bank Arcade, Wellington "Brotherhood is a men's only fashion and accessory store with a boutique look and feel, offering mid range pricing. Located in The Old Bank Arcade Building on Lambton Quay and surrounded by other fashion boutiques, Brotherhood Store provides an oasis for men to browse and purchase, or a pleasant and convenient place for women to buy that special gift." - Andrew Clark

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Online Retailing Category - Sponsored by Telecom
Winner - D.Vice Designer Sex Gear "The D.Vice online store provides excellence customer service, including free information about sex and sexuality, the ability to ask questions and have them answered in depth, as well as a great range of products to purchase and a regular newsletter with member benefits. Shipping is discreet, reliable and fast." - Wendy Lee

Judges' comments
"Good site, easy to navigate, good concept offering good service"
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Sustainable Retailing category - Sponsored by Meridian
Winner - Blue Cactus Hairdressing Ltd "Blue Cactus is leading change, advocating consciousness, and making a positive difference in an industry known for its heavy use of electricity, water, and unfriendly products like shampoo and packaging." - Larissa Macleman

Judges' comments
"Blue Cactus stood out for the holistic approach they had taken to making their business sustainable. They not only demonstrated action in improving the performance of their store, they have also paid attention to the products and services they offer their customers. Staff are engaged through staff meetings and product awareness, and customers are offered extra loyalty points for purchasing greener options."
1st Runner Up - Wellington City New World

2nd Runner Up - Oyster, Petone
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The Lower North Island Retail Modern Apprentice of the Year - Sponsored by the Retail Institute
Kurt Simpson, Mitre 10 Mega, Wanganui

"Kurt has shown great determination and passion for retail over the last three years."
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And the 2010 Wellington OVERALL WINNER is...
Rodd and Gunn, Lambton Quay
Click here to see more images of Rodd and Gunn Lambton Quay

Judges' comments
"This is a fabulous store, from the moment you walk through the doors you experience the WOW factor, from design to service, the overall experience is exceptional and truly a TOP SHOP!"
promoting excellence in retailing
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