Dundee retailer a “beacon” of passion and commitment for other independent traders |
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 Sandy Sarwar, a local Dundee retailer, has been honoured as one of the UK’s most exceptional independent retailers, as part of the second Independent Achievers Academy awards.
Over 250 guests attended the awards dinner in London last week which was hosted by BBC Breakfast News Business presenter Declan Curry.
The night marked the end of a rigorous six month entry and assessment process aimed at recognising the outstanding performance of independent retailers in categories such as customer service, availability and staff development.
Mr Sarwar, manager of Pricekracker Plus in Dundee, wowed in-store assessors with his passion and commitment to the business and his focus on customers.
“A lot of my ideas are customer-based,” says Sandy Sarwar, who won the Customer Service award ahead of hundreds of other entrants.
Mr Sarwar has been in the retail trade for 20 years and says that many of his customers have now become friends. “I am very open to suggestions.”
“Customer satisfaction definitely comes first and my customers can now get most of the things they need on a daily basis from my shop. If customers really want something I will do my utmost to stock it,” he says.
Expert judges were looking for friendly, welcoming staff with a ‘service mentality’; speedy service; demonstrated product knowledge and a range of in-store services.
The Independent Achievers Academy has proven to be a great motivating factor for independent retailers.
“It makes me so proud that I have been shortlisted for the category of customer service and it makes me determined to build on it,” says Mr Sarwar.
“These retailers provide inspiration to all of us in the independent trade,” said Nick Shanagher.
“While the Independent Achievers Academy shines a light on great independents supporting local communities throughout the UK, collectively they act as a beacon for the sector.”
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