Six Young Retailers Demonstrate Retail Enthusiasm

Westfield New Zealand is delighted to announce the six finalists in the Westfield New Zealand Young Retailer Award 2001.

The winner will be announced at the Westfield New Zealand Retail Excellence Awards being held in Auckland on September 25.

The six finalists were chosen from a record number of 50 entries for the annual award. The Young Retailer of the Year will receive a Retail Study Tour to Australia worth $3,000 as well as $500 spending money.

Young Retailer Award 2001 Judge, Rowena Millar, Group Business Manager, Just Jeans Group said; “We’ve been impressed with the enthusiasm of the finalists for retail and how well informed they are on all facets of their business.”

Sue Warren, National Manager Communications, Westfield New Zealand said Westfield is proud to celebrate the achievements of these outstanding finalists.

“These young retailers are making the most of the busy retail opportunities in Westfield Shoppingtown precincts. The centres provide an excellent environment for them to launch their retail careers.

“We wish all six finalists the very best of luck.”

THE SIX FINALISTS ARE:
Michael Rait
LJS (Long John Silver) – Westfield Shoppingtown Riccarton, Christchurch

Tracey Parkes
Life Pharmacy – Westfield Shoppingtown WestCity, Auckland

Tania Jest
Glassons – Westfield Shoppingtown Manukau, Auckland

Sommer Corrigan
Sussans – Westfield Shoppingtown Manukau, Auckland
Annette Young
Foodtown – Westfield Shoppingtown Pakuranga, Auckland

Adam Steele
Farmers – Westfield Shoppingtown Shore City, Auckland

THIS YEAR’S JUDGES ARE:
Rowena Millar, Group Business Manager, Just Jeans Group
Barbara Andrews, Retail Manager, Singleton Ogilvy and Mather
Don Bain, Retail Development Manager, Westfield New Zealand

PROFILES OF THE 6 FINALISTS:

Michael Rait
Manager – LJS – (Long John Silver)
Westfield Shoppingtown Riccarton – Christchurch
“I want to be able to help develop the next generation of retailers – I derive great satisfaction from customer interaction and what started out as a business investment has turned into a desire to develop a quality seafood outlet for the public.”

Sommer Corrigan
Manager – Sussans
Westfield Shoppingtown Manukau – Auckland
“I want shoppers to have a fantastic shopping experience – I love building a rapport with customers. I want to play a prominent part in the success of a large and developing retail company. I enjoy retail and look to pass this enjoyment and enthusiasm onto those who work with me.”

Tania Jest
Manager– Glassons
Westfield Shoppingtown Manukau – Auckland
“I thrive on working in fast-paced environments, and relish the fact that I have the opportunity to inspire people in regards to the fashion industry. In NZ retailing is becoming more sophisticated and is recognised as a respectable career path.”

Annette Young
Trainee Manager -Foodtown
Westfield Shoppingtown Pakuranga - Auckland
“I enjoy the close contact with staff and customers – I feel satisfaction that I am providing quality service to others.”

Adam Steele
Divisional Sales Manager - Farmers
Westfield Shoppingtown Shore City - Auckland
“Retailing is a challenge I love - meeting the needs of customers and empowering my team members to excel in customer service and stock presentation – I see a definite future for myself in retailing.”

Tracey Parkes
Retail Business Manager – Life Pharmacy
Westfield Shoppingtown WestCity – Auckland
“I know that retailing is not just a job to pay the bills, it is very much a career where you can help influence people in their decisions and increase your supplier to buyer relationships.”

-Ends-

Westfield first entered the New Zealand market in 1997 when it was appointed manager and developer of the St Lukes Group shopping centre portfolio. In December 1998 the Westfield Trust acquired a 46.6% interest in the St Lukes group, fully amalgamating with the St Lukes Group in August 2000.

Westfield now has a portfolio of 11 New Zealand shopping centres – seven of them in Auckland. The company is making a commitment to contribute to New Zealand business with a NZ$1 billion investment in developing shopping and entertainment centres.

Westfield is a world leader in shopping centre management, with total assets under management of NZ$41.4 billion worldwide. Westfield has a global portfolio of 127 shopping centre assets around the world – Australia – 30, United States – 80, United Kingdom – 6, and New Zealand – 11.

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