Wellington Top Shop Media Release

MEDIA RELEASE

For release on 03 October 2005

Wellington Top Shop Awards 2005 Results

The overall winner of the 2005 Wellington Top Shop Award was She Designer Excitement, having been finalists in the 2004 competition they were ecstatic to be recognised as Wellington's Top Shop.  Janet Paape, the owner of She Designer Excitement, made special thanks to major sponsors The Dominion Post and NewsTalk ZB for their $10,000 advertising prize and promised to use it to their best possible advantage.

In excess of 6,000 public votes were received this year for 449 retail stores. Nominees were narrowed down to semi-finalists with mystery shopping determining the finalists, the category winners and the overall winner. Christine Beavon, Wellington 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 She Designer Excitement "A beautifully merchandised store with fabulous products and creative eye-catching window displays.  Very attentive staff who obviously enjoy working in this amazing retail environment.  You can feel the 'wow' factor here, overall a superb shopping experience". 

An amazing night was had by all; the New Zealand Retailers Association (NZRA) outdid themselves with a Moulin Rouge themed night that included cancan dancers, a trapeze artist and a four metre high windmill!  With a packed house at the Town Hall, the Top Shop Awards evening continues to be a sell out success.

Category winners were: L'Occitane, She Designer Excitement, Kazu, Floral Gallery, Buoy Hairdressing, Resene Colourshop Marion Street, Harrisons Country Gardenworld, Bodyworks, Max Fashions and Beach Comber Salon.  Congratulations to all the winners from the New Zealand Retailers Association, and major sponsors The Dominion Post and Newstalk ZB.