International Retailers of the Year Award in the UK

Tuesday 09th of December 2008 03:29:56 AM

The Oracle Retail Week Awards for 2009 are coming up in the United Kingdom and there are some surprising entrants. They are surprising because they are prominent US retailers making their mark on High Street. The two US companies in the final list of potential winners are Wal-Mart and Apple. UK shoppers have come to appreciate the pricing and marketing of these 2 companies and as a result the giant retailers are making their mark on the British retailing landscape.

Tim Danaher is the Editor of Retail Week and he said, "Times are really tough in retail at the moment, but the shortlist for the 2009 Oracle Retail Week Awards is stronger than ever. In fact, the current difficult trading conditions seems only to have emphasised the real value to businesses of achieving recognition for excellence, with more retailers entering than ever before. We received submissions from virtually every major name on the high street, and the quality of those entries demonstrates that innovation in retailing is alive and well despite the downturn. The final judging day in February is sure to be one of lively debate."

In addition to the 2 US companies, the final list of retailers to be considered for the retailing award includes Aldi, Best by, Inditex and Ikea. The list of retailers represents food, fashion, and electronics in addition to computers and general merchandise.

The awards announcement is scheduled for March 19, 2009 and recognizes the importance of retailing to the UK economy. Selling everything from uniforms to computers, the retailing industry employs up to 11% of the total United Kingdom workforce. Retail sales account for 20% of all sales in the nation. This will be the 14th time the awards have been given in 12 categories with the top award being Oracle Retailer of the Year.

(c ) Image by Roger Kirby, www.sxc.hu/