To champion retail excellence in Dorset, the Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole has introduced a new category to the 2012 Daily Echo-backed Dorset Business Awards.
The Retail Excellence Award will celebrate the success and entrepreneurial spirit of local businesses that are managing to thrive within the retail industry in this current climate. The new category is open to any independent retailer based in Dorset with a BH/DT postcode.
John Grinnell, centre manager of the Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole, said: “We are really excited to be involved with the Dorset Business Awards for the first time this year. The new category that we are sponsoring, Retail Excellence, is a great way to recognise the high standard of Dorset’s retail offering.
“By supporting the Awards, we hope to prove that retail is as strong as ever throughout the county.”
Retail Excellence Award checklist
To be in with a chance of winning, companies will need to explain:
- Sales percentage year on year to date
- Why the store deserves to win the Retail Excellence Award
- How sales are monitored
- How customer service is monitored
- How the business bases its marketing for targeting its customer type
The judges will be looking for companies showcasing outstanding achievement, innovative business concept, business acumen and excellence in customer service. Shortlisted retailers will be visited by a mystery shopper during early October.
The Awards are free to enter and entrants can submit an entry via www.dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or print off an entry form and submit a paper-based entry. The closing date for entry is Friday September 14.
The Awards are also backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105 and supported by the Dorset Echo. For further information about the Awards or to purchase tickets for the Gala Dinner on Thursday November 29 please contact Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812.
Sponsor profile – Dolphin Shopping Centre
The Dolphin Centre in Poole is the largest indoor shopping centre in Dorset, anchored by Marks & Spencer, BHS, Primark and Beales. With more than 120 other retailers, including national multiples such as Next, New Look, Topshop, River Island, Boots, Clarks, Wilkinsons and Argos.
Dutch investment company, Wereldhave, bought the Dolphin Centre at the end of 2010 and are currently working on plans which will see the shopping centre improved during a phased implementation programme.