ALDI Australia took the title of Retail Employer of the Year for the second year running at the eftpos Australian Retail Association (ARA) Awards on Thursday.
The ARA said that ALDI have proven to be “fierce contenders” with a strong commitment to diversity, non-discrimination and support to all employees. The supermarket was recognised for incorporating internal and external recruiting methods to select candidates and for nurturing the skills, confidence and leadership required to operate business functions.
“Through a commitment to staff and the community, ALDI are the pioneers in the retail sector, leaving no stone unturned,” the ARA said.
ALDI commented on the win in a blog post on Friday saying that it strives to help employees reach their potential.
“At ALDI, we strive to maintain a workplace culture where people are encouraged to reach their full potential, in whatever role they choose to pursue. We’ve had Store Assistants move into management positions, Customer Service employees transition to Quality Assurance roles and Warehouse staff move into our head office. There’s no denying that it’s a different approach, but it’s one that’s working for us.”
Australia’s leading retailers were celebrated at the awards breakfast in Melbourne with PETstock, Battery World and Beer Cartel all taking home awards.
PETstock, Australia’s specialty pet retailer, took the title of National Retailer of the Year. The ARA said that the retailer has established their territory in the marketplace and were recognised for their “progressive leadership” within the retail realm.
“Always having their consumers at the heart of their business, PETstock strive to go above and beyond for customers, providing expert advice with on-site animal specialists who are knowledgeable across all areas of pet care, expelling a duty of care to pets and pet owners,” the ARA said.
Battery World took the title of Innovator of the Year and Franchise Chain of the Year. The company “jump started’ their career in 1997, becoming a trusted retailer and reliable brand, by “consistently supplying and supporting customers with mobile technology needs and off-site assistance”.
Battery World are “charging their way through the future of technology and innovation”, while minimising waste and encouraging consumers to recycle batteries in-store.
Beer Cartel earned the Retail Innovator of the Year title for their innovative Australian Craft Beer Survey to better understand the craft beer market, and consumer perceptions towards beer.
The full list of 2018 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Award winners are listed below: