2010 Auckland TOP SHOP Winners
congratulations to the 2010 Auckland category winners
Large Format - Sponsored by Visa International
Winner - Smith & Caughey's Newmarket
"Smith & Caughey's Newmarket is a sparkling modern store for fashion savvy men and women who will discover an outstanding collection of must-have brands combined with superb personal service ensuring they become life-long customers" - Terry Cornelius
Judges comments
Sparkling, stylish, faultless. Really felt welcome and they know how to sell.
1st Runner Up - New World Albany
New World Albany's purpose is to provide a unique shopping experience for our customers, that will surpass their expectations in service, product and standards. We aim to "Exceed the vision, fulfil the promise"
Customer Service:
Our priority is to offer excellent customer service; a wide product range that meets the diverse needs of our customers; and a well presented safe environment which makes for an enjoyable shopping experience. Our staff take pride in being well groomed professionals, who provide friendly, courteous customer care, that extends to each other as well. We listen to customer requests and do our best to achieve these, and meet their needs
Innovation in Retail:
We are leaders in innovation, as we continually try out new ideas, whether it is a new hot meal creation from the Deli; our Butchery's own smoked products; or Fish and chips from the Seafood Dept.
We develop our staff through training, to help them in reaching their potential in whatever area of the store they work, and this in turn enhances what we can offer to our customers." - Sue Smith
2nd Runner Up - Westgate Mitre 10 Home and Trade
"Westgate Mitre 10 Home & Trade is designed to provide products, knowledge and inspiration for kiwis to improve their homes. We provide DIY solutions for Home Owners, Trade, Commercial and Institutional Customers. Our point of difference within our organisation is that we follow our Company Values: Customer Driven, Honest and Fair, One Team, Down to Earth & Strive for Excellence. This is what sets us apart from our competitors.
To achieve this, within our organisation we have set ourselves goals and principles to give staff member’s direction in order to help customers with everything that they need to get them started on their project, whether it’s large or small. It is through our processes, procedures and people that make the business successful." - Meera Bhula
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Fashion, Footwear and Accessories category - Sponsored by Student Job Search
Winner - John Franich Jewellers
"John Franich Jewellers is a family owned and operated independent jewellery store, who relocated to a stylish new environment in September 2009, with significant success. The business focus is on retailing high quality international jewellery brands with the added advantage of an in store jewellery design and manufacture service." - Jenni Franich
Judges Comments
Great personal shopping experience tailored to the customer.
1st Runner Up - AGATHA Paris
"AGATHA Paris is a French Fashion Jewellery Boutique. A slice of Parisian style is showing itself off in the heart of Auckland’s fashion district on Vulcan Lane, beside World (Beauty)and opposite Zambesi.
AGATHA is fashion jewellery, not the lacklustre Michael Hill or Pascoes type. But fashion inspired pieces that have made AGATHA Paris perennially popular with fashionistas around the world for 35 years.
AGATHA has 6 collections each year that reflect current runway trends from the big fashion houses. Staying true to the essence of AGATHA Paris’s personality, the fresh, innovative deigns have won a reputation for being edgy and relevant and making couture style affordable for the masses.
Frolicking through the collections is AGATHA Paris’s mascot – a delightful Scottie dog. This stylish signature pooch has found his way onto key pieces in each collection in different playful ways since 1989 and has won a place in the hearts of AGATHA Paris girls worldwide.
We only opening the boutique in November last year, but have grown significantly within this time, with our jewellery even being selected for the final photo shoot of America's Next Top Model when they shot in Auckland."
- Mitchell Grant
2nd Runner Up - Kid Republic Newmarket
"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
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Lifestyle & Wellbeing Category - Sponsored by Westpac
Winner - 2XU Newmarket Performance Centre
"2XU is driven by a relentless company mission to advance human performance through the development of world-leading athletic garments." - Robbie Johnston
Judges Comments
Hi-tech, high energy, specialist sports apparel by athletes for athletes.
1st Runner Up - L'Occitane En Provence Sylvia Park
"L'Occitane En Provence is a brand from France that offers high quality sensorial beauty products and fragrances with a strong regional roots in Provence. It uses natural active ingredients with proven traceability. We bring together nature and research, following the principles of phytotherapy and aromatherapy. We create formulas that are rich in natural active ingredients and essential oils, which are mostly organic, patented and of controlled origin. We are committed to bringing products of the highest quality under the L'OCCITANE brand to our customers in New Zealand and around the world."
2nd Runner Up - L'Occitane En Provence St Lukes
"L'Occitane En Provence is a brand from France that offers high quality sensorial beauty products and fragrances with a strong regional roots in Provence. It uses natural active ingredients with proven traceability. We bring together nature and research, following the principles of phytotherapy and aromatherapy. We create formulas that are rich in natural active ingredients and essential oils, which are mostly organic, patented and of controlled origin. We are committed to bringing products of the highest quality under the L'OCCITANE brand to our customers in New Zealand and around the world."
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Giftware & Homeware Category - Sponsored by Viaduct
Winner - T2
"T2 stores have been conceptualized and designed to encourage our customers to discover the enchanting magic of tea, and the wonderful art of tea-making." - Jonathan Houldsworth
Judges Comments
Top product, top people, great place, ticks all the boxes.
1st Runner Up - Chambers Home and Living
"Chambers Home and Living is a truly memorable shopping experience, from the minute you step into our store, you will be captivated by the beautiful fragrance, the elegant and unique homewares on offer and the wonderful service you will receive. Chambers Home and Living is not just about the product its about the experience."
- Erin Santoro
2nd Runner up - WildZone Gift Shop at Auckland Zoo
"WildZone at Auckland Zoo offers the best selection of wild animal themed merchandise in New Zealand, from Endangered Faeces (animal shaped fertiliser made from zoo animal poo), to cute animal costumes and toys, to Zoo souvenirs, and everything in between!
In accordance with Auckland Zoo's values, WildZone has a strong focus on conservation and sustainability. These values are demonstrated through product selection and informative displays, and at our fun-filled weekly kids' story time sessions. We also have a dedicated, knowledgeable and friendly team who are always ready to help find the perfect gift for your needs." - Billie Bailey
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Specialty Category - Sponsored by Advantage Business
Winner - Telecom Retail Store Westgate
"Our store is top of the line outlet for all mobile and home, and broadband connections. We have the latest look for Telecom with an exceptional sales team. To give the best customer services in Telecommunications."
- Michelle James
Judges Comments
Great store presentation, excellent customer experience with technology made simple.
1st Runner Up - The Hemp Store Aotearoa
"We are New Zealand's high-grade hemp specialists. We are the only retail store in NZ to offer hemp products, herbal highs and smoker's supplies. We actively support just causes. We have developed The Hemp Club, our own loyalty programme." - Chris Fowlie
2nd Runner Up - The Bead Hold
"We are a specialty bead shop with an array of incredible stock hand selected from all around the world. We run the biggest range of beading classes in the country, for adults, children, girls nights etc. Out shop is about the whole experience, the most important of which is the wonderful environment to shop and relax in." - Nia Hodgson
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Food & Beverage Category - Sponsored by Dish and NZRetail Magazines
Winner - The Prenzel Shop - Botany
"Our place is more than a shop-we are a tasting room for our NZ made liqueurs and gourmet foods from around the country. We welcome our customers into our shop as if they were entering our home and offer them a fun, taste experience to remember. At our place one can try before they buy." - Sarah Dodson
Judges Comments
Fantastic shop, unique product range, a taste sensation with delightful service.
1st Runner Up - Devonport Chocolates, Devonport
"From the minute you walk in the store your senses are awakened by the sweet smell of chocolate. You are greeted by a shop assistant offering you a taste of delicious chocolate crafted in the kitchen that is visible from the shop. This store is a unique and memorable experience." - Caroline Everitt
2nd Runner Up - Ashore Fine Food and Wine
"We provide our community, and all our customers, with a friendly shop offering a great selection of products and best imaginable service. We believe that is the core of retailing." - Julia and Don Pointon
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Start-Up Category - Sponsored by Paymark
Winner - Printinc Manukau
"A one-stop shop for photographic and copy reproduction. A new concept utilising the very latest technology to provide a vast array of on demand reproduction." - Neil Allan
Judges Comments
A very impressive experience, reinvention of a proven concept
1st Runner Up - Verdo Nails Parnell
"Verdo Nails was created to help lift the bar within the nail industry, we offer to our customers a service that surpasses the rest. We pride ourselves in our hygiene practices, along with that our staff are the best in the industry, we are transparent with what products/chemicals we use, and our customers safety and well being come first."
- Amber McIver
2nd Runner Up - Kiwiana Fish & Chips
"We offer a unique Kiwi experience in the quick service restaurant industry." - Carolyn Hanson
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Online Retailing Category - Sponsored by Telecom
Winner - The Sleep Store
"We are unique in offering a one stop shop for baby & toddler sleep solutions. We retail a comprehensive & specialist range, backed up by over 60 articles on how parents can improve their baby's sleep. We offer free sleep advice, teach workshops & publish sleep information. So our customer service offering goes well beyond what if usual for online retailing. Plus our customer service is second to none, which you can clearly see on our Customer Reviews page. We receive emails and phone calls every day praising our service, advice, delivery & overall excellence." - Louise Tanguay
Judges Comments
A unique concept offering an holistic service - an all-round package!
1st Runner Up - Belly Beyond
"Belly Beyond is an online baby boutique specialising in gifts and essentials for mum and baby. The business was launched on Mothers Day 2008 offering secure online shopping via the website www.bellybeyond.co.nz and speedy delivery to every corner of New Zealand and around the world. We compliment our quality range with knowledgeable staff and an ever growing product range. The site is full of helpful, relevant and up to date information to guide parents on their journey through pregnancy, birth and beyond." - Louisa Currie
2nd Runner Up - Dream of Italy
"Dream of Italy only imports authentic handmade Italian products. We are the only online retailer in New Zealand offering a diverse range of Italian crafts including ceramics, carnival masks, Murano Glass jewellery and ornaments, inlaid wooden chess sets and bronze leaf statuettes. Our customer service and attention to detail is outstanding and we have the survey results to prove it!" - Kathy Clist
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Sustainable Retailing Category - Sponsored by Meridian
Winner - ecostore
"The shop actively demonstrates best practice in terms of the environmental impacts of waste energy and transport." - Annabelle Pottinger
Judges Comments
Ecostore were the clear winner in this region. They have founded their business on finding better solutions for common household products, and are leading the way both in product design and lowering their operational footprint.
Runner Up - The Hemp Store Aotearoa
The Upper North Island Retail Modern Apprentice of the Year -
Sponsored by the Retail Institute
Katie Coxon, John Franich Jewellers
And the 2010 Auckland OVERALL WINNER is...
The Prenzel Shop - Botany
click here for more images of The Prenzel Shop
Judges' Comments
"A store that compels you to buy things you never dreamed you needed!"
promoting excellence in retailing
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