Waikato Top Shop press release

MEDIA RELEASE

For release on 06 October 2005

Waikato Top Shop Awards 2005 Results

The overall winner of the 2005 Waikato Top Shop Award was Bivouac Outdoor who tipped the scales in an extremely tough competition.  After being announced the winner in the Recreation and Lifestyle Category, Bivouac Outdoor's Katherine Allen was left speechless to also receive the top prize which included $7,000 advertising provided by major sponsors The Waikato Times and Newstalk ZB.

Just under 5,000 public votes were received this year for 446 retail stores. Nominees were narrowed down to semi-finalists with mystery shopping determining the finalists, the category winners and the overall winner. Russell Sinclair, Northern Regional Manager for the New Zealand Retailers Association says "The aim of the awards is to reward 'excellence in retailing' and it was great to see the enthusiasm out there during the competition".

The judges said of Bivouac Outdoor "The moment you walk in the door you have confidence in the atmosphere and environment - I knew that I would find what I was looking for. Very interesting flooring and product layout with excellent, friendly service".

The Top Shop Awards evening was yet another sell out success with 310 guests filling the auditorium and enjoying the drinks and canapes at the cocktail event.

Category winners were: Guthrie Bowron Te Awamutu, Rodd & Gunn, Fifth Avenue Butchery, Wee Willie Winkee Kids Store, OPSM Limited, Heathcote Applicances 100%, Matamata, The Flight Centre, Martins Betta Electrical, , Bivouac Outdoor and Laroma Coffee Co.  Congratulations to all the winners from the New Zealand Retailers Association, and major sponsors The Dominion Post and Newstalk ZB.