Best Retailer
Sponsored and judged by The Pantiles (visit website)
The category
Are you a retailer in the county, proud of your customer service, innovative in your approach to selling and generally feel that you are at the leading edge of sales to the public?
Please enter the number of employees including contractors on the Entry Form. The judges will place your company in the small/medium or large division of the category as appropriate.
What the judges are looking for
Companies who can demonstrate that they are committed to offering consumers a 'true' retail experience. Selling the highest volumes in a particular market place may not be enough, we are looking for that extra level of service that identifies an excellent retail experience.
You may specialise in a niche market or offer a unique service to your customers. Engaging with your customers is the key and we are looking for a business that thrives on recommendations and that is the first choice for it's customers.
Specific questions to answer
- How do you react to your customers demands - do you listen to your customers?
- What is the range of products on offer and how do you market and merchandise them.
- Where does customer service and retention sit within your business strategy.
- Do you offer real value for money to your customers?
- How good are your front line people and how knowledgeable are they about what they sell?
Andrew Gower
About the judges
One of England's most historic shopping parades, The Pantiles in the elegant heart of Tunbridge Wells boasts a fascinating variety of small specialist shops, cafés, restaurants and bars.
The famous pedestrianised colonnade has for generations been the jewel in the spa town’s retail crown, helping to attract millions of visitors to Tunbridge Wells every year.
Distinctive, quality retailing with first-class customer service has long been the hallmark of The Pantiles and the neighbouring Corn Exchange, which are both now owned by property group Targetfollow.
Among the judges from The Pantiles is centre manager Andrew Gower, a well known and experienced figure in retail and leisure management locally.
He says: "West Kent boasts some of the finest retailers in England, who ensure that customer care is paramount and the common thread that runs through every area of their operations. We want these retail 'stars' to tell us what makes them stand out from the crowd and the ways in which they strive to take customer service to even higher levels.
"Judging the Best Retailer award will undoubtedly be an exciting experience and we can’t wait to learn more about Kent's many shopping success stories."