TRADERS celebrated their success at the sparkling annual Top of the Shops Awards in Poole.

The retail Bafta’s were attended by more than 90 people and sponsored by Sibbett Gregory and Breeze Volkswagen.

“Yet again we have been spoilt for choice with a fantastic range of shops across Poole entering and winners from Ashley Road, Broadstone, Ashley Cross, Branksome and the town centre,” said Jonathan Sibbett, chairman of Poole Town Centre Partnership.

“This rich diversity, which includes many specialists, means that Poole has great shops with talented staff that really make an impact with shoppers. People appreciate their expertise and it is terrific to see Poole retaining this, particularly when high streets across the UK are undergoing so much change.”

A ceremony at the Quay Thistle Hotel saw the Dolphin Shopping Centre based Animal store win best overall multiple retailer and Marshalls Pet Food Store from Ashley Cross and Shoe Doctor on Wimborne Road jointly win best overall independent retailer.

Now in its 9th year, 60 businesses entered the nine categories, broken down into independent and multiple retailer categories. Skills tested included window displays, staff knowledge and the payment process, carried out by an independent mystery shopper from Retail Resource Dorset.

Organised by Poole Town Centre Partnership and supported by Borough of Poole’s economic development team, winners were announced by Wave 105 presenter Steve Power.

“It’s fantastic to see so many talented customer service stars being recognised in these awards,” said John Corderoy, managing director of Breeze Volkswagen.

“Helpful staff and excellent customer service not only make shopping enjoyable, they are key to establishing the reputation of the business and helping it to remain profitable in the future.”

Congratulating Dolphin Centre award winner Lumin-Essence, centre manager John Grinnell said: “The choice and range of the retailers within the Dolphin Shopping Centre makes this an incredibly difficult award to give.”

Winners

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Individual Customer Service – Jon Rabbets of Guitar Mania

Multiple Customer Service – Lush; Independent Customer Service – HNB Salons; Multiple Overall – Animal.

Joint Independent Overall – Marshalls Pet Food Store & Shoe Doctor

Dolphin Shopping Centre Award – Lumin-Essence

Multiple Window – River Island

Independent Window – In Tide (second year running).