Page 24 - HW June NEW 2022
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“Everyone at the Awards was a winner in a way as everyone has been boxing on through a tough period and supporting one another”
RETAILER
OF THE YEAR
GENE SIMMISS
PLACEMAKERS BLENHEIM
Blenheim Branch Manager Gene Simmiss has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and drive. “He understands that the new digital era is here to boost people – as well as sales – by creating great customer experiences,” the judges noted.
Although Gene and his team have managed to reset the previously struggling business, our winner concedes there is still work to do: “Such is the potential, I think we’re only scratching the surface. It’s an innovative and constantly changing market, and we’re constantly upskilling our team, and making sure they can grow, too.
“We are trying to be innovative and display a point of difference to our competitors, while providing customers with a store that is based around them and that they know they can trust. In my book, if you look after your customers, the bottom line will take care of itself.”
FINALISTS – RETAILER OF THE YEAR 2021
Patrick Britton Roger McRae
Riviera Group PlaceMakers Mt Wellington
22 NZHJ | JUNE 2022
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