Fast food fried chicken emporium KFC has been named the Large Retailer of the Year at the National Retail Association's (NRA) Rewards for Excellence ceremony on the Gold Coast. Specsavers, Kikki.K, Supercheap Auto and Footlocker also picked up gongs at the event, which had an Arabian Nights theme.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring back Australia’s largest and most prestigious retail awards to recognise the deserving individuals and businesses who are setting a whole new standard of excellence in the sector,” said NRA CEO Trevor Evans.

“After years of downturn in retail, we are finally starting to see a consistent gradual incline in sales across the board, and it’s a credit to creative and passionate retailers like many of our Rewards for Excellence winners who are determined to see their businesses flourish.

“As the consumer environment continues to evolve, we need to look to those who are displaying innovation and putting their people and customers first, to ensure we are all continuing to perform to the best of our abilities.”

Full List of Winners and Beaten Finalists
 
Small Retailer of the Year
 
Winner: Peter Baker-Finch & Co
 
Medium Retailer of the Year
 
Winner: The Kookee Group
 
Large Retailer of the Year
 
Winner: Yum Restaurants – KFC
 
Franchisee of the Year
 
Winner: Specsavers – Mt Ommaney
 
Employer of the Year
 
Winner: Kikki.K
 
Multichannel Retailer of the Year
 
Winner: Supercheap Auto
 
Training Excellence Award
 
Winner: Footlocker
 
Innovation Excellence Award
 
Winner: Noodle Box
 
Sustainability Excellence Award
 
Winner: Super Retail Group
 
Workplace Safety Award
 
Winner: Harris Scarfe
 
CEO of the Year
 
Winner: Peter Birtles – Super Retail Group
 
HR Practitioner of the Year
 
Winner: Kate Byrdy – Jeanswest