Retail Award Category Breakdowns 

2013 NOMINATIONS OPEN WEDNESDAY 6th MARCH!

Business Based – Retailer / Manager nominated:

• Retailer of the year
  This award cannot be entered directly as it will be determined by the judges. The winner of this most prestigious award is expected to be identified from within one of the categories announced at the awards ceremony evening.
  
• Promotional initiative of the year - Sponsored by Reading UK CIC
  Awarded to the most innovative retail promotion. This could be a marketing or promotional campaign that is focused on the retail outlet itself or on a seasonal calendar event or specific launch or activity. Success should be quantified with results and can include POS, advertising material and photographs. It should be an initiative that relates specifically to the shopping population of Reading and show a measureable positive impact on consumer behaviour.
  
• Independent retailer of the year - Sponsored by John Lewis
  Awarded to an independent retailer who, in the judge’s opinion, demonstrates an individual, innovative and exemplary customer service experience. These businesses are usually greatly loved and supported by local shoppers and often provide a town with a special element of quality and uniqueness which is worthy of special recognition and local accolade.  To qualify for this category, the business will operate 5 or less outlets in the Reading Borough.
  
• Multiple retailer of the year - Sponsored by Chilvers Page
  Awarded to a multiple retailer who, in the judge’s opinion, demonstrates an exemplary customer service experience in their store within the Reading Borough. Typically, these retail businesses are well known chains of shops and stores represented across the entire United Kingdom. They will invariably be household names that are continually evolving their own brand products and store formats to increase their public popularity and share of consumer spend.
  
• Store design and environment of the year - Sponsored by TBC
  Awarded to any store in the retail sector large or small, new or re-furbished. The judges will be looking for innovation and creativity in store design and layout along with a format that delivers in performance. This may also include the introduction of new customer facilities such as catering, toilets, signage etc
  
• “Shooting Star” - Sponsored by Jon Hallett
  Awarded to an individual who goes above and beyond their defined job role demonstrating an aptitude and commitment to the retail environment.
  
• Manager of the year - Sponsored by Hammerson
  Awarded to a store manager from a retail store of any size that has demonstrated an excellence in the ability to deliver a brand or company’s values and message. They will have proven their ability in leadership, retail and general management skills. Possible areas for recognition could include; staff incentives or training, introductions of new services for the benefits of customers, environmental innovations and enhancements to customer satisfactions.
  
• Learner of the Year - Sponsored by Reading College
  Awarded to an individual who has achieved success through a formal learning programme and whose success has not only made a difference to their own personal development but has also benefited their employer and work colleagues.   Judges will be looking for learners who have also inspired others to develop their skills through learning.
  
  

Consumer based – Customer nominated:

• My Favourite Coffee Shop
  Awarded to a coffee shop or cafe that has demonstrated quality and range in its products, good level’s of customer service, ambience and speed of service. This category can embrace a wide range of venues to sit down, drink tea, coffee or other non alcoholic beverages, rest, relax, meet friends or discuss business. It could be as simple as comfortable seating, nice surroundings, welcoming service or quality and value for money. 
  
• The Lovely Lunch - casual dining
  Awarded to a lunchtime venue that exceeds customer expectations in terms of level's of service, ambience and quality of food. Inevitably there could be some overlap with the category above and some outlets could enter into both categories. Popular daytime eateries should feature here if they demonstrate great food at good value with exciting daily special dishes. The best of our cafes, pubs and eateries!
  
• The Service With a Smile
  Awarded to a retail person who has provided exemplary customer service with their efforts, attitude and product knowledge. A sales or service person that may have impressed you with the care and help shown to satisfy you or simply made you feel welcome!
  
• The Shop I Can’t Live Without
  Awarded to the shop you can’t live without! As the title suggests, a shop that you continually re-visit for a regular supply of products, great ideas or solutions, or maybe that special gift. There will be 2 awards in this category, 1 for an independent retailer and 1 for a multiple retailer.
  
• Restaurant of the Year  - Sponsored by Warranty Direct
  Awarded to a restaurant that exceeds customer expectations not only in levels of service and quality of food but also choice!