Outstanding retail achievements to be recognised

The awards, to be presented on 4th June 2006, will recognise outstanding achievements in the retail industry throughout the Middle East.

Retail City International Exhibition Director, Franck Dailles said, "The way in which the retail industry has developed over the past five years is nothing short of remarkable, even on a global scale. Shopping malls and retailers alike don't always get the credit they deserve and we wanted to celebrate the truly outstanding achievements of these new-age pioneers."

The awards will be split into four categories covering the entire retail spectrum and include 'Mall of the Year', an award aimed at recognising excellence in mall management. The key criteria will be concept, location, supporting services, customer relations, transport links, as well as marketing and sales.

'Most Innovative Retailer of the Year' is intended to recognise innovation and originality in terms of product mix, retail ambience, customer service and design creativity. Retailers must demonstrate how their new initiatives have translated into increased sales or a superior customer experience.

The special award for 'Corporate Social Responsibility' is designed to celebrate responsible retailing from ethical sourcing and product safety to environmental initiatives for the local community.

Finally, 'New Retailer of the Year' will be awarded for new retail concepts that have specifically shown entrepreneurial spirit, combined with sound commercial strategies for long-term growth.

"The response has been extraordinary we have received entries from international and regional retailers including, Aldo, L'Oreal, Adidas, The One and Magrudy's. Nominations also include developing brands such as, Sleepware, The Factory Mart and Crossover Bollywood", added Dailles.

An international panel of judges has been assembled and includes senior industry consultants Jayne Rafter, Peter Walichnowski from Simon Thompson and Walter Kleinschmidt.

Retail City, which is taking place at Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) from 4-6 June 2006, comprises a three-day networking exhibition and conference that will aim to bring together international retail property professionals to develop new joint ventures, exchange views, identify new investment opportunities and encourage retailers and franchises to set up shop in the Middle East.

The conference will provide delegates with valuable knowledge and insight into all areas of the retail sector from project concepts and architecture to development. Dedicated post-conference workshops will examine topics such as marketing retail property developments and maximising store productivity.