Tesco crowned ‘Retailer of the year’

Tesco was crowned ‘Retailer of the year’ during the World Retail Awards in Barcelona based on its financial performance, product and store innovation, excellence in customer service and enviable profile in the industry.

The award is designed to celebrate outstanding retail achievement by a business that has proved itself as a true world class performer. The international jury, comprising some of the world’s most respected retailers and senior industry experts, highlighted the retailer’s bold and brave move into the fiercely competitive US market as a key factor in their decision.

The Awards ceremony was held during the World Retail Congress, and Tesco, the UK's largest grocery retailer, was also named ‘E-tailer of the year’, a category designed to celebrate both internet-only and multi-channel retailers that demonstrate a growing level of profitable business transacted online. The company was awarded the prize for demonstrating excellence in every aspect of its online business, from front-end usability to servicing a national consumer base and overcoming the challenges faced by online retailers in handling perishable goods.

Woolworths S.A. was named ‘Responsible Retailer of the year’ the category which celebrates corporate responsibility and rewards companies that set new world-class standards of good practice through initiatives that 'add ethical value' and show a long term commitment in the areas of employment practices, sourcing, environmental policies, fair trade and supply chain.
Woolworths has not only demonstrated a true passion for, and commitment to, responsible business practices, but has also set exceptionally high standards among its contemporaries in South Africa.

Shoppers’ Stop, of India, was named ‘Emerging Market Retailer of the year’ for its dynamic approach and willingness to experiment with new formats.
Speaking at the Awards ceremony Ian McGarrigle, director of the World Retail Awards, said:  “In a highly challenging and competitive global marketplace, the pursuit of excellence across the entire spectrum of retail activity is not just desirable, it is a compelling business imperative.  The World Retail Awards not only celebrate excellence, but as part of the World Retail Congress, we hope will encourage retailers worldwide to embrace ever higher standards in innovation, responsibility, management and operation.”

The cost of each entry in the World Retail Awards was Euro 200.