The 2012 Wollongong City Centre Retail and Business Awards ended in a dead-heat last night with The Currency Exchange and Ella Bache, both in Wollongong Central, named winners of Retailer/Business of the Year.It was the first time in the 19-year history of the Wollongong City Council-hosted event.
Gallery: Retail and Business Awards winners Gallery: Retail and Business Awards nightThe Currency Exchange's services are geared towards travellers and it operates under the philosophy of keeping it simple.The Currency Exchange is ranked No 1 in Australia for the cash passport card and 2011 was the first full year it traded independently from its previous franchise arrangement.The family-run business impressed judges with its zero staff turnover and its customer focus.The business also took out the independent operator and general services categories.The judging panel described Ella Bache as a shining light in beauty in the city centre.Judges said it had highly trained and motivated staff and an in-house dedicated certified trainer who helped the business deliver continued excellence.Last night's win followed a year of recognition for the salon that included a NSW Salon of the Month Award.Ella Bache also won the beauty category.David Jones collected the most awards last night with wins in seven categories.David Jones cosmetics supervisor Mary Shalala was named 2012 Wollongong City Centre Employee of the Year by Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery.Mrs Shalala was described as a self-motivated high achiever who had a strong belief in the value of customer service.The judges were also impressed with how she had led by example, motivating her team to exceed the expectations of customers and the business through their product knowledge.The 16 Employee of the Year finalists were judged by Angel Recruitment & Consultancy Group.David Jones also won the fashion accessories, leisure, telecommunications and electrical, female fashion and jewellery categories as well as the People's Choice Award for a major store.The People's Choice Award for specialty stores was won by The Patisserie.Surf Dive 'n' Ski scored three wins while Hairhouse Warehouse was a dual winner picking up the Hair Award and Best New Store Award.A total of 178 finalists from 112 businesses contested the other 20 categories last night.All finalists were independently judged and secret shopped by Mystery Customer which is a nationally-accredited organisation specialising in customer service.
