The National Retail Association (NRA) has revealed the top 25 young retail stars in the running for the title of 2013 NRA Young Retailer of the Year.
The competition, which will mark its 40th year anniversary this year, aims to promote retailing as a career of choice for young people, and is open to retailers under the age of 25.
The winner will be awarded a place on the 2014 Westfield World Retail Study Tour, in addition to a scholarship by the industry association the Retail Doctor Group, valued at over $15,000.
More than half the finalists in the running for the 2013 NRA Young Retailer of the Year award this year work in the fashion retail industry, including: Hannah Dawson, area manager at Cue Clothing Co. (NSW); Toby Drewett, store inventory manager at Kmart (VIC); Paul Flavel, sales manager of menswear at David Jones (VIC); Harrison Ford, sales manager of basement at Myer (VIC); Emma Knox-Niven, state manager at Diva (QLD); Sarah Minson, A grade flagship store manager, at Bonds (VIC); Scott Phillips, General Merchandise Manager at Kmart (QLD); Melissa Plews, sales manager at Myer (WA); Glynn Simpson, assistant store manager – ecommerce & fulfilment at Harris Scarfe (SA); Jaimee Stirling, Store Manager at Harris Scarfe (VIC); Joshua Strutt, store manager at Rebel Sport (QLD); Abigail Wakefield, concession manager at Esprit (QLD); and Joanna Zurzolo store manager at Target Australia (SA).
Commenting on the diversity and talent amongst this year’s finalists, NRA CEO Trevor Evans said he was inspired.
“Retail is no longer confined to the bricks and mortar traditions of customer service and product knowledge; it has become a sector guided by multiple channels, complex consumer demands and ever-changing industry regulation,” he said.
“Retail is certainly evolving, and these future leaders have demonstrated that, to compete and prosper in this challenging market, you must be savvy in all areas.”
The finalists for the 2013 NRA Young Retailer of the Year award will unite at the Melbourne Hilton on the Park on Wednesday, July 31, for the final stages of judging and the announcement of the winner.
Run annually in conjunction with the award, the NRA will host the Future of Retail Forum – a comprehensive and interactive platform to showcase the most significant changes in the retail sector.
The Forum will feature industry leaders from Retail Doctor Group, Five Faces, TU Projects, Retailworld Resourcing, Play a Bigger Game and Super Retail Group, plus the 2012 Young Retailer of the Year winner and runner-up.
Myer CEO and former NRA chairman Bernie Brookes will also join this year’s celebrations to share his insights into the retail sector on the evening.