Two Rising Stars Judged Best Retail Professionals

Two Rising Stars Judged New Zealand’s Best Retail Professionals

Rebekah Brown of Resene in Auckland, and Jess Pulham of Carvin Streetwear in Gore shone brightly and both shared the glittering prize as the ServiceIQ 2015 New Zealand Retail Professional of the Year, at the Top Shop Awards in Christchurch.

Jess, who is 23 years-old, and 21 year-old Rebekah, and all of the other regional finalists, gained their superior retail skills and national qualifications thanks to training on-job with ServiceIQ programmes.

The prestigious award, which recognises top young performers in New Zealand’s retail industry, was presented by ServiceIQ Retail Sector Manager Clare Savage.

Clare, who was also a member of the judging team, says an extremely high calibre of entrants made it a tough selection process. She says both winners impressed the judges equally with their professional attitude, strong customer focus and passion for the retail industry.

“Jess and Rebekah demonstrate a professionalism way beyond their years,” says Clare. “They are highly talented and dedicated retail experts who have been willing to study to advance their careers, and provide excellent service to their customers and the business.”

Many New Zealand retailers use ServiceIQ’s workplace training programmes to upskill talented staff on-job, helping them provide great customer service, and advance from new entrants to supervisors and senior managers with nationally recognised qualifications.

Chief Executive Dean Minchington says that all the award finalists and their employers are perfect examples of what it takes to be successful in retail: “Excellent service is at the heart of success, and retailers who see through their customers’ eyes can see that the key to winning service and sales is good people, properly trained. Giving your people the skills to reach their potential is the best investment any retailer can make.”

Jess, who was also a regional winner last year, represents the lower South Island, while Rebekah won for the upper North Island.

Rebekah Coulter of Leading Edge Communications was named regional winner for the upper South Island at last night’s event.

The other regional winners were:

Ashley Brunel, Runner-up in 2015, national winner 2014, Liquor King, Hamilton, central North Island.
Selena Campbell, Rosebowl Bakery & Café, Feilding, lower North Island.
Rebekah Coulter, Leading Edge Communications, Christchurch, upper South Island.

ENDS

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