OVER 170 members of the Leading Edge Group recently attended the Melbourne tradeshow conference with one South East store coming away with the “golden prize” of store of the year.
Under the umbrella of Leading Edge Electronics for around 15 years, independent store Anvil Electronics claimed the coveted award for the second time since joining the group.
A strict selection criteria was required for stores to be nominated for the award with factors like sales growth, brochure participation and store presentation taken into account.
Each store is also visited by mystery shoppers and the company’s general manager over a 12-month period to determine how the store is progressing.
Anvil Electronics business owner Chris Ind said he was delighted when his store was announced as the nation’s leading store.
“We went along to the annual conference not thinking we had won anything,” he said.
“You always think you have done well for the year in the back of your mind but I did not expect to take anything home.
“We did not even know we were in the running until they announced the nominees on the night so it was definitely a bit of a surprise.”
Mr Ind said he was proud of his store and staff for a solid 12 months.
“I am so proud of all of my staff for keeping Anvil going over the past year and the past 21 years,” he said.
“Everyone puts in 100pc and does everything they can to make sure our customers have the service they deserve.
“Receiving the award is just another feather in our cap.”
Opening its doors more than 21 years ago, the business has stood the test of time and continues to go from strength to strength.
“It’s pretty tough for bricks and mortar stores these days,” Mr Ind said.
“But our secret to a successful 21 years is making sure our customers get exactly what they need.
“We have customers that we have had from when we first opened which not only shows my staffs willingness to help but also the support we have received from the community.”
Looking forward to the future, Mr Ind hopes his store will be successful in winning the title again next year.
“We won in 2008 but it took us 10 years to take it out again,” he said.
“Although it’s never been done, I’m confident we can keep our momentum up and with an aim to receive the accolade again.
“Being part of the Leading Edge Group has been incredibly beneficial to our brand and we are really honoured to have this award.”
