Member Article

Shoppers Embrace New Retail Awards

Hundreds of customers have backed a shopping centre’s first ever awards scheme by voting for their favourite stores.

Middleton Grange Shopping Centre in Hartlepool has launched The Embrace Retail Awards to recognise outstanding retail experience and customer service.

Hundreds of people have already nominated their favourite store, window display or employee.

And the stores themselves are embracing the awards as a great way to celebrate what Middleton Grange – which is managed by Cushman & Wakefield – has to offer.

Hairdresser Dawn Sorovic, who has managed the Kosa salon in the Centre for 11 years, said: “I love the Embrace Awards, it’s such a great idea because it’s bringing the shops and the customers together.

“A lot of our customers just come in here for their hair-cut and don’t go on to shop in the Centre. So we have really been encouraging them to have a look around because there are some really good shops.”

Mandy Thomas, manager of Warren James Jewellers, said the Embrace Awards helped to promote good customer service.

“People really appreciate good service and we are a store that puts a lot of emphasis on that,” she said.

“So to have an awards scheme that recognises customer service is great – everyone likes to get some recognition for what they do well and I’m pleased that we have been getting nominations from the shoppers.”

The Embrace Awards is open to shops of all sizes from the large department stores to independent retailers and traders from the Market Hall.

They will be awarded across six categories: Retailer of the Year; Market Hall Stall Holder of the Year; Shop and Window Display of the Year; Shopping Centre Employee Award (nominated by shopping centre staff) and the Shooting Star award (nominated by retailers).

Mark Rycraft, Manager of Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, said: “Middleton Grange has never held an awards ceremony for its retailers but it’s about time they were recognised for the positive contribution they make to the Centre.

“The best way to do that is to ask the shoppers themselves about their experiences, what has impressed them about our stores and who they think deserves some acknowledgement.”

Another store which has seen a flood of nominations from shoppers is Sally’s Salon Services.

Manager Yvonne Plaice said: “The Embrace Awards have not only been a morale boost for our staff, but for Middleton Grange too.

“It’s good for staff to get some recognition for their hard work and service and it means we’ve got more involvement with Middleton Grange – it makes us feel like we are all a part of something positive.”

Picture – Middleton Grange Embrace Awards –(left to right) Dawn Sorovic, of Kosa Hairdressers; Mandy Thomas, of Warren James jewelers; and Yvonne Plaice, of Sally salon services.

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