Mary Devine, the former executive lead of Hallenstein Glassons and EziBuy and current CEO of Foodstuffs South Island, has been handed the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Retail NZ Awards 2025.
Retail NZ is a local peak body.
Judges for the Awards said Devine is an outstanding nominee who has driven transformation across multiple retailers and boards, and is a role model for young women in retail.
As well as lead roles at Hallenstein Glassons and EziBuy, Devine has also held leading roles at NZ department store Ballantynes, and was a director at Briscoe Group.
The Awards cover six categories, with another notable winner being local womenswear brand Preen, which took home the Online Store of the Year award.
Preen is a Timaru-based fashion retailer, selling a range of local fashion labels. Its online store is community-centred, including live styling sessions, handwritten notes and a generous returns policy which offers a 14-day return period for non-sale items and a seven day period for sale items. It also offers Australian buyers a 20-day return policy.
Judges for the Retail NZ Awards 2025 said Preen’s passion for their customers is clear.
Foodstuffs North Island won the Best Use of Technology award for its facial recognition technology trial in 2024 to combat retail crime, with 25 stores across the North Island involved. The trial has reportedly improved safety and set a benchmark for responsible FRT use in New Zealand retail.
Judges said: “This trial of facial recognition technology truly is nationally game-changing and will, over time, keep both staff and customers safer. FSNI’s leadership in FRT is innovative and courageous.”
Meanwhile, Normanby Fine Wine and Spirits scored the Best New Store Design award, Mitre 10 NZ won the Sustainability Leadership award, while the Customer Experience of the Year award went to The Sleep Store.
“Retailers across Aotearoa continue to inspire us with their creativity, commitment and customer focus,” Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young said. “The calibre of this year’s finalists and winners is exceptional, and we’re proud to celebrate their achievements.
“These Awards highlight the incredible work being done in communities nationwide and the vital role retail plays in our economy.
“Congratulations to all our winners and finalists – you are shaping the future of retail in Aotearoa.”