The National Retail Association (NRA) today reveals the top 25 finalists in the running to take out the 2015 NRA Young Retailer of the Year Award.
The Young Retailer of the Year competition has been around for close to half a century because retailers acknowledge that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Employers want to recognise and reward their ambitious employees and the NRA want to showcase this passion to the industry.
“The 2015 finalists have certainly demonstrated the diverse job opportunities available in retail, and the exciting career paths ahead for these savvy young retailers,” Mr Trevor Evans, CEO NRA said.
The finalists are all vying for the top prize, a place on the famous Westfield World Retail Study Tour next year, valued close to $17,000.
The 2014 NRA Young Retailer of the Year winner Joanna Zurzolo has recently returned from the Westfield World Retail Study Tour where she was able to experience first-hand some of the most successful, innovative and cutting edge retail businesses, and build a network to last a lifetime.
“Winning the Award is what a young retailers dreams are made of. It has been exciting, challenging and a real journey of self-growth that has helped to lay the foundation for my rewarding career. As the Young Retailer of the Year my name and story was part of the retail world and it gave me the exposure to accelerate my career. Participating in this Award is a must for those aspiring and driven young retailers seeking their next rewarding challenge,” Ms Zurzolo said.
Congratulations to the 2015 NRA Young Retailer of the Year finalists:
Deana Barducci
Perfect Potion
Retail Store Manager
NSW
Alicia Cale
kikki.K
Senior Store Manager
NSW
Kaitlin Carnell
Officeworks
Store Business Manager
QLD
Medina Cicak
Yum! Restaurants International – KFC
Graduate Leader – Human Resource Officer and RSC Generalist
NSW
Laura Conquer
Coles
Property Graduate
VIC
Jade Dignam
Myer
Online Content and Promotions Coordinator
VIC
Tammy Drew
Target
Department Manager
WA
Mitchell Eaves
City Beach
Store Manager
QLD
Alex Foley
Boost Juice Bars
Business Manager
VIC
Ellen Hamilton
Myer
Category Buyer’s Assistant Menswear
VIC
Brady Hann
Peregrine Corporation
Trainer and Assessor
SA
Gemma Kariotoglou
Fossil Group
Store Manager
NSW
Kristie O’Connor
Jeanswest
Senior Store Manager
WA
Johanna Parker
Best & Less
Store Manager
NSW
Scott Phillips
Kmart
Store Manager
NSW
Jade Purnell-Webb
Wallace Bishop Jewellers
Assistant Store Leader and Service Department Manager
QLD
Thomas Riek
The Co-op
Trainee Manager
QLD
Kristy Rosengren
Bardot
Area Manager South Australia and Northern Territory
VIC
Tierny Silver
Trenery
Assistant Manager
QLD
Shaun Thatcher
Specsavers
Store Owner and Co-Owner
VIC
Luke Van De Wiel
Big W
Assistant Store Manager
SA
Giles Venske
Super Retail Group
Area Manager
QLD
Michelle Webb
Supercheap Auto – Super Retail Group
Store Manager
VIC
Kate Weller
PETstock
SA Retail Support
SA
Duncan Yi
Esprit Retail
Country Merchandise Manager
NSW
Finalists will unite at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on Monday, 7 September, for the final stage of judging and to network with key influencers in the industry at the NRA Future of Retail Forum. Later that evening, retailers from across the country will attend the Parisian Soiree themed Gala Dinner in anticipation of the winner announcement.
Family, friends and colleagues are encouraged to support their finalist and join the industry for an entertaining night out. Both the NRA Future of Retail Forum and Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony are open to the public.
The NRA Young Retailer of the Year Award is recognised nationally as the highest accolade in retail and serves to acknowledge excellence in ambition, leadership and innovation within the retail discipline, for those of 25 years of age and under.