Waikato 2008 Winners
congratulations to the 2008 waikato category winners
Fashion, Footwear & Accessories
Nite n Day Fashions, Thames St, Morrinsville “We have customer wish list and when buying always have it with us. We phone customers when stock comes in that we know they will like.” Sheryl MacKenzie.
 The Fashion, Footwear & Accessories category was sponsored by NZRetail Magizine.
Food & Beverage
Gouda Cheese Shop - Delicatessen, Rototuna Retail Centre, Hamilton “We have free cheese tasting in our shop, so the customer does not have to leave the shop wondering how the cheese, they just brought will taste like. Customers feel that they are in control of their choices instead of buying pre-packed and guessing the taste.” Hans Nieremeijer.
 The Food & Beverage category was sponsored by New Zealand Food Safety Authority.
Giftware & Homeware
Home Design, Queenwood Village, Herbert Rd, Hamilton “In a nutshell making sure that customers interaction with our store is a pleasant experience. Being passionate about ensuring customer needs are satisfied.” Bronwyn Turton.
 The Gift & Homeware category was sponsored by CB Richard Ellis (CBRE).
Health & Beauty
Hardy's - Downtown Plaza, Ward St, Hamilton “The remarkable service we provide is based on trust created between our staff and customers; this is achieved by making them feel welcome, listening to their individual needs, asking necessary questions and catering to the uniqueness of each query.” Kay Simmons.
 The Health & Beauty category was sponsored by Telecom.
Large format
Mitre 10 Mega - Hamilton, The Base, Te Rapa, Hamilton “Our commitment to our customer service is BIG and is reflected in our comprehensive training, with seven mystery shops per year to monitor performance in the area.” Kym Stringer.
 The Large Format category was sponsored by Visa.
Lifestyle & Fitness
The Soccer Shop, Kahikatea Dr, Hamilton “We aim to make all our customers feel valued and listen to their needs and fulfill their requirements. We pride ourselves on our product knowledge, information and advice.” Terri Comber.
 The Life Style & Fitness category was sponsored by Advantage Business.
Specialty Stores
ArtsPost Galleries and Shop, Victoria St, Hamilton “Customer service at ArtsPost Galleries and Shop is a primary focus. The team wat ArtsPost are enthusiastic, they are knowledgeable, friendly and often personally know the artists and suppliers. They are always ready to offer advice, provide information and exceed expectation in their service to customers.” Marion Manson.
 The Specialty Stores category was sponsored by Ford.
Start Up Business Award
Huhu Store and Cafe, Waitomo Caves Rd, Waitomo Caves “Huhu store provides our customers with a special, personalized shopping experience. Our goal is to ensure each customer purchases the perfect New Zealand gift, whether for someone else or themselves.” Melanie Barton.
 The Start Up Business category was sponsored by Paymark EFT POS.
Supermarkets
New World - Te Rapa, Te Rapa Rd, Hamilton “We have exposed all our service department teams to Toast-Masters style training were the focus has been on engaging and creating a rapport with customers at very opportunity.” Chris Grace.
 The Supermarket category was sponsored by Coca Cola Amatil.
Outstanding Customer Service
Esteem Menswear, Victoria St, Hamilton “Esteem Menswear provides a unique retail experience that increases men’s confidence in themselves and in shopping, by selling the correct garments to suit, whatever shape, size and colouring.” Carolyn Longden.
 The Outstanding Customer Service category was sponsored by Provenco Cadmus.
Innovation Excellence in Retail
HUHU Store and Cafe, Waitomo Caves Rd, Waitomo Caves “We ere fortunate to have input into the design and development of the Huhu building from its earliest conception. This enabled us to ensure the building’s layout and design features suits both the site and the café and serve to reinforce the innovative, contemporary nature of our offerings.” Melanie Barton.
 The Innovation Excellence in Retail category was sponsored by Westpac.
Retail modern apprentice of the year
Chelsea Furniss, Spex, Napier “I am very grateful to my boss, co-workers, coordinator and assessor who have been great in supporting me to achieve my high results. The apprenticeship has helped me learn the value of team work, enthusiasm and responsibility.”
 The Retail Modern Apprentice of the Year category was sponsored by Retail Institute.
and the waikato Overall Top Shop® winner is...click here
promoting excellence in retailing
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