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Awards like no other!

SLR Rewards 2016
 

SLR is proud to launch the 2016 SLR Rewards, the most Rewarding event in local retailing! Created in 2003 to recognise and reward innovation and excellence in Scottish convenience retailing, the Rewards have blossomed into a unique event in the UK retailing calendar.

In 2015, Nisa Giacopazzi’s in Milnathort was named Scottish Local Retailer of the Year with store owner Joanna Casonato winning a trip to Las Vegas! Category winners won trips to France, Belgium and London – while a huge range of rewards included £500 Ticketmaster vouchers, VIP Concert tickets, Red Letter Days, iPads and smartwatches. 2016 will see more of the same as the SLR Rewards reinforces its position as the awards programme that truly Rewards retailers with real prizes for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

To keep pace with changes in local retailing, three new categories are being introduced giving innovative, progressive retailers more chances to win. These are Ecigs Retailer of the Year, #Thinksmart Innovation Award and Team of the Year.

For convenience store owners, entering awards programmes can act as a fantastic way to measure your store against your peers – these fellow local retailers are from all over Scotland and so sharing best practice is very much part of what we’ve always worked towards at the SLR Rewards. Since relaunching our Rewards programme in 2014 the number of entries has soared, and it’s been incredible to see the diversity and innovation among Scotland’s local retailing community.

Of course, sharing best practice is just one of the benefits of the SLR Rewards – very much top of that list is the chance to walk away with one of the incredible rewards on offer. This year’s overall Scottish Local Retailer of the Year will win a trip to NACS in the USA, while category winners will get their hands on a veritable bounty of foreign trips, cool tech, away days and a whole lot more.

To whet your appetite, take a look at some of our winners from the last two years. When you’ve done that, head over to www.slrawards.com where you can enter online until 26th February!

Joanna & Franck Casonato

The Casanatos in Las Vegas
 
Our current Scottish Local Retailer of the Year, Joanna Casonato, won a trip to Las Vegas for the NACS conference, with husband Franck joining her. Not only did Joanna and Franck pick up a load of tips for improving their business, but they managed to take in some of the local sights. “Vegas is a great city. It’s not like anywhere else and we absolutely loved it,” says Joanna. “From attending the conference and talking to people we’ve accelerated our learning. There’s always going to be a learning curve when it comes to running a business, but by learning from others, you accelerate your own curve.”

Denis & William McCormack

Lille main square
 
In 2014, Denis & William McCormack’s Spar store in Polbeth won Best Refit, winning Denis a trip to Lille in France to visit a UB factory, and soak up some sun. While that experience is one that will live long with Denis, his brother William says awards programmes are great for the whole store. “If you think you’ve got a good looking store, why not enter? It’s great for business, and if you get shortlisted or win, it’s great for staff morale. Plus it’s always a great night out and if you win you can feel like a celeb for the evening.”

Ewan Fraser

The Frasers receive cheque from Antony Begley
 
Some Rewards are about the community the shop serves, and in the case of Ewan Fraser from Hardthorn Stores in Dumfries which won Community Involvement Retailer of the Year 2015, that is certainly the case. Ewan’s Reward was £1,000 to put towards a community project of his choosing, further establishing his commitment to that community. “It was just a fantastic feeling to hear your name being called out. We do what we can for our community and it’s great for the shop to be recognised.” Such was Ewan’s commitment to his community, he even matched the £1,000 and gave £500 to four different projects.

Gerry Haughey

Plymouth Hoe
 
Our Confectionery Retailer of the Year winner in 2014 was Gerry Haughey from Spar Thornliebank in Glasgow. In recognition of his incredibly high standards in-store, we sent Gerry to Plymouth for a weekend break with his wife. “The Reward is a definite highlight, but entering awards is all about measuring your store against others, and seeing if you’re hitting the standards you’d like. We’ve been fortunate over the years to win a number of awards and I’d definitely recommend other retailers to get involved.”

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This website contains images and information relating to tobacco products. Please do not view if you are under 18 years of age.

This website contains images and information relating to tobacco products. Please do not view if you are under 18 years of age.

This publication contains images and information relating to tobacco products. Please do not view if you are under the age of 18 years old.