MELBOURNE: Victorian-based chain Country Road has dominated proceedings at the 2009 ARA Australian Retail Awards.
The Ian Moir-led group beat off stiff competition to take to the podium twice, winning both the Clothing and Footwear category as well as the Australian Retailer of the Year award.
ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman said Country Road had clearly stood out in what were very trying retail conditions.
"Despite tough global economic conditions, Country Road has recorded strong sales results for the past two years underpinned by [its] commitment to rewarding customers and the relaunch of [its] two-tiered loyalty program."
The announcement, made at the National Retail Forum and Expo in Melbourne last night, also saw Aldi take out the food, drink and grocery category, Subway win the café, restaurant and take-away section and L'Occitane awarded the best specialty retailer.
The win caps off a successful period for Country Road, which had earlier announced its profit before tax would soar 56 per cent, to between $21.3 million and $21.8 million for the 2008/09 financial year.