The National Retail Association is again giving young retailers across the country the opportunity to make their mark via The Young Retailer of the Year award.
The competition, which has been running for 38 years now, invites retailers under the age of 25 to enter and aims to promote retailing as a career of choice for young people.
The winner and runner-up will be awarded a trophy and $1,000 for their success in front of their peers and close to 200 retail executives, but Carly Faragher, events & marketing manager at the National Retail Association said it also provides an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to build their profile in the retail industry and engage with professional contacts.
“It gives young retailers the chance to exhibit their retailing skills, be recognised by their peers, the retail industry, and the general community for their innovation, career achievements and outstanding performance in their stores,” she said.
Twenty-one-year-old Myer management trainee Kaylee Albronda, winner of The National Retail Association Young Retailer of the Year for 2010, said the experience has been rewarding.
“Winning the 2010 NRA Young Retailer of the Year Award was both a fantastic learning experience and an honour to be recognised in an industry that I am passionate about,” she said. “To be the National representative for young retailers is a privilege.”
Applications for this year's award are due this Friday, and young retailers will have to demonstrate their retail experience, achievements, and future ambitions throughout the application. They are also required to provide an overview of their store's position in the market place with an improvement plan and review plan to track the progress.
Short listed finalists will be announced on Tuesday July 5, with the winner of the 2011 Young Retailer of the Year to be announced at the Young Retailer Lunch on Wednesday July 27 at the Sydney Mercure hotel.