This year’s Londis Store of the Year awards were presented at the 2013 Londis Retailer Conference last Thursday, celebrating achievements in the use of local produce, exceptional standards and excellent use of merchandising.
Marc and Sarah Jones who own a petrol station in Brynhoffnant, North Wales, and partner with Londis (Retail) and Murco (fuel) took the title of Londis Forecourt Store of the Year as well as the much sought-after overall title of Londis Store of the Year.
Former retailer David Sands presided as judge over the Store of the Year process and said of Marc and Sarah’s store, “I have visited many, many stores but I truly believe the standards in this store are among the best I have ever seen. The store merchandising was superb and it is easily the best example we have seen of locally sourced products, which are clearly very popular given the deliveries and volumes involved. The owners focus on their community and the active role they play has created a clear identity for the store and loyalty from customers”.
Commenting on their double win, Marc Jones said, “It is an honour to have won both titles and Sarah and I are extremely pleased. The support we get from the Londis brand has helped us drive forward our business and these awards recognise a lot of hard work and effort from all the team. Knowing how many exceptional retailers there are who partner with Londis makes this win even more flattering”.
A forecourt also topped the bill in the category of Londis Multiple Account of the Year. The Carsley Group, which has 11 Londis stores and is listed in the top 50 indie groups won the award for its Londis forecourt store in Muskham, near Peterborough.
Simon MacKay who owns the Carsley Group comments, “Our Londis forecourt store near Muskham is a very profitable store and that success is due to the staff who work there and their ability to respond to the needs of our customers. I am extremely proud that Londis has recognised us in this way and thankful for the ongoing support they provide to us as our chosen symbol partner”.
The judges said the Carsley Group’s store in Muskham showed how success can be driven through a clear understanding of your core shopper. For the Muskham forecourt, this is the transient shopper and the Carsley Group offers everything you could want when travelling. From free wi-fi, a comfortable seating area with leather chairs and a large screen showing Sky News, to an extensive sandwich range, as well as a Wild Bean Café and toilets which David Sands said are as good as any 5* hotel and a must-see if you visit the site.
Other winners included brother and sister partnership Tristan and Rebecca King who picked up the award for Londis Small Store of the Year. Judge David Sands described the retailer as a star of the future and was amazed at how quickly store sales have grown after opening in May last year. David was also impressed by the store standards, commitment to staff training and the store’s food to go offer.
Tristan, who opened the store under a year ago comments, “When you consider how many Londis stores there are and how many have been established for years, it’s fantastic that we have won this award. The achievement is thanks to those who work and shop in the store. I’m proud to serve our local community and grateful for the support our customers give us”.
Roli Ranger, who also picked up a range of category awards on the night, won Londis Large Store of the Year for his store in Ascot. Judge David Sands said that Londis Ascot is a model store and that the Londis group should be very proud of it. The store was complimented on its focus on supplying the consumer with local produce, its range of artisan breads, fresh produce displayed in innovative wheelbarrows and even a magnifying glass available to help elderly customers read labels.
Roli Ranger comments, “It’s fantastic to have the recognition for my team and the hard all the hard work we’ve done. I’m proud to serve our local community and grateful for the support our customers give us”.
Donal Horgan, Managing Director of Londis comments, “The standards of all the entries for the Londis Store of the Year were incredible and testament to the exceptional independent retailers choosing to partner with us. The judging process illustrated that whilst our stores offer a range of services and products to suit individual locations and align with the needs of the communities they operate in, all were credited for their exceptional store standards and customer service”.
For more information please contact Felicity Callaghan or Hannah Hayes
felicity.callaghan@musgrave.co.uk / 07720 094 180
HHayes@goodrelations.co.uk / 0207 861 3176
