Shopping, Selling and Succeeding!

Shopping, Selling and Succeeding!

News Release

October 7, 2003

A 25 year old Christchurch mother of one has won the Young Retailer of the Year award, announced today at a breakfast in Auckland.

Jody Tozer, manager of Just Jeans at Westfield Riccarton in Christchurch was the winner of the competition.

The Young Retailer of the Year award, hosted by Westfield New Zealand, acknowledges the success of under 30 year old retailers throughout the country and highlights the interest in retail business as a career choice.

Jody attributes the inspiration she gets from her young daughter as a factor in her success.

"My daughter MacKenzie is a great motivator for me," says Tozer.

"I needed to choose a career from which I could support my daughter and also find a work environment that was fun but involved daily challenges."

The 30 young retailers who entered the national competition were judged on their attitude, achievements, customer focus and leadership skills.

Judge Russell Sinclair, Auckland regional manager of the New Zealand Retailers' Association, said Jody was a deserving winner.

"Kiwi consumers are becoming increasingly selective. Jody's passion for retail and a dedication to personalised customer service is why she is such a successful retailer," says Sinclair.

Sponsor Westfield believes the event helps to raise the profile and benefits of working in the retail industry.

"Retail is a cornerstone of business and it is particularly important to have enterprising young people in the industry," says Westfield New Zealand Deputy Director, Andrew Davidson.

"Westfield is continually impressed with the success and passion of young retailers in the shopping centre industry and believes it important to celebrate their achievements."

As a reward for her achievement Jody Tozer will embark on an overseas study tour valued at more than NZ$20,000.

In 2002, the winner of the Westfield Study Tour traveled to London, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago and Montreal attending presentations from some of the world's leading retailers and marketers.

The seven young retailer finalists also included staff from Hallensteins, Bond and Bond, Whitcoulls, Farmers, Glassons and Pumpkin Patch.

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