Yates Retail Awards

These hotly contested awards are presented every second year and dovetail with the Nursery of the Year competition. It is another highlight of the Awards Dinner at Conference, where presentations are made to the best retailers in a variety of categories, and culminating in two Yates Garden Retail Awards for the top store in:

• Garden Centre format, being traditional stand alone garden centres
• Home Improvement format, being garden departments within large hardware stores

All entries are subjected to an in-depth judging process by garden retail industry professionals, to arrive at a group of finalists. The criteria for the competition are broad and comprehensive with a focus on aspects that lead to increased sales and profits. The finalists are individually visited and assessed by an independent retail judge.

All entrants receive a full appraisal of their business enabling the garden centre to readily identify areas for improvement; special awards are made for customer service, merchandising, signage, promotions, product knowledge and systems.

The winners receivs the accolades of the industry and community, the Yates Retail trophy to hold for two years and a certificate, plus a 5 day trip for two to Melbourne to take in the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show.

Entries for the 2014 award will open late in 2013.