A shortlist for 2008 RetailME Awards is announced

The much awaited event, in its fourth successive year is set to be a very exciting occasion for retail experts throughout the Gulf region.

Aldrin Fernandes, Concept Group Chairman said:

"The RetailME Awards have enjoyed immense popularity; growing steadily year on year. The short listed nominees have been selected based on their exceptional achievements amidst fierce competition. Given the current economic climate, recognition and acknowledgement serves as a great motivator for retailers to go forth and continuously achieve their optimal best."

In a statement, a spokesperson for Mark's & Spencer's shared, "Retail ME is an established platform which recognizes retail achievements in the region. We are delighted to be nominated in three categories. We endeavour to deliver outstanding retail standards at every level of customer interaction; hence the final nominations for customer service initiative, Lifestyle retailer and International retailer of the year are extremely motivating. Mark's and Spencer grew stronger in 2008 as we introduced several new initiatives and customer service remained our number one priority. 2009 will see us open our eagerly awaited new store at Dubai Mall followed by a further three stores across the Gulf."

The Chief Emotional Executive Officer, Thomas Lungren when speaking about THE One said in a statement, 'Every year the competition has gotten tougher, so we are very excited to have been short-listed in four categories. The hidden bonus of winning awards like these is that our people receive outside recognition for their hard work, which builds team spirit and makes them proud."

This years short listed nominees include:

Damas, Aziza Panda United, JML Investment Group, Marks & Spencer, Lamcy Plaza, Jumeirah Retail, Wafi, Giordano Fashions LLC, New Look, Ecco, Reiss, The One, Bauhaus Boutique, S*uce, Splash, Sharaf DG, Ibn Battuta Mall, Joyalukkus, Festival Centre - Dubai Festival City, Hour Choice, Jumbo Electronics, Landmark Group, Dubai Duty Free, Sfera, Kurt Geiger, JustKidding, Tanagra, Paris Gallery, Tiffany & Co., Khan Murjan, The Walk - Jumeirah Beach Residence, Boulevard - Jumeira Emirates Towers, Thomas Lundgren, Mohamad A. Al Madani, Tamjid Abdullah, Ingie Chalhoub - Etoile Group, Jumbo Electronics, Zonik, Kraze, Luxecouture Trading LLC, Eros Group, Memoires LLC, Presotto ME, Zonik, Etoile La Boutique, Sean Staunton, Liezel Sadsad, Colin Burrows, John G. Pebeauco, Tino Thomas, Ellamart.com, Jumeirah Retail

The event serves as an ideal platform for all those who are associated with the retail industry providing greater insight and networking opportunities amongst leading industry professionals.