Best Retailers across the Middle East Win at the annual Images RetailME Awards 2015

Top performing Retailers in the Middle East were awarded at the most prestigious Images RetailME Awards 2015 across 32 categories at a gala ceremony held at the Conrad hotel 2015.

Images RetailME awards attract the best–known names in the retail sector, there being no greater accolade than to gain recognition among one’s peers to win one of the coveted trophies. Today the awards ceremony is among the most important dates in the Middle East Retail Calendar.

This year inorder to make the awards process more competitive and transparent the awards categories were segregated into self-nomination and industry nominated jury awards. Under self-nomination, retailers were free to nominate themselves in any of the 8 categories (marketing campaign, social media campaign, retail launch, store design, online retailer, store design, store manager, CRM initiatives and responsible retailers).

The eminent jury members for the self–nomination categories were Mohammad Alawi, CEO of Red Sea Markets Co, Saudi Arabia; Roy Higgs, president of US- based Roy Higgs International; Davide Padoa, CEO of UK-based Design International; Mohamed Galal, Chairman, Tasweeq Shopping Malls Egypt; and Simon Hathaway, president of Cheil Worldwide UK. 

For the industry-nominated jury awards, the group conducted a survey among some of the top regional shopping malls to help in the judging process by sharing the names of the finest and top performing brands and retailers at their malls and other aspirational brands/retailers outside their malls. The result of the survey were subsequently vetted by a jury panel consisting of shopping centre industry veterans and experts, including Simon Wilcock, CEO- Arabian Centre, Saudi Arabia; Avijit Yadav, chief operating officer- GLA Management Company; Steve Bunce, director; retail asset management at Aldar Properties, Abu Dhabi; Rebecca Arnold, general manager of Time Square Centre, Dubai; and Andrew Willamson, national director – head of retail MENA. 

Amitabh Taneja chairman of the Images Group said, “We are very happy with the research results, which helped us in nominating some of the top brands under 22 categories. We thank every member of our jury for sparing their precious time and efforts to evaluate the submissions and compile the results.

A big note of thanks is also due to the official bodies for supporting the event, Lulu Group International, Zebra, SAP, Wipro, Savant Data Systems, QwikCilver, Vinculum, Hamat Property Co, Kalandoor, Brands International, Crowe, HorwathInternational (audit partner), Images RetailME, Texti  (Wirtschaft, Lebensmittel Zeitung and Indiaretailing.com (media partners) for their continued support. Finally, we would like to thank all participants and congratulate all the finalists and the Ultimate awardees.” 

Amongst winners in 32 different categories were; Majid Al Futtaim Group for Middle East retailer of the year. Othaim Markets for the food & grocery sector, SEPHORA for Cosmetic and Personal Care, Club Apparel for their CRM initiatives, Life Pharmacy for pharmacy & Healthcare category, Fittness First for Spa & Wellness category, The cheesecake Factory for Casual Dining and Tim Hortons for food and service (QSR), to name a few. (Full List of Winners provided below) 

The Retail Awards gala evening was presented by leading media personality and anchor from India Anish Trivedi.  UAE based standup comedian Chas Brunette entertained the audience with his witty humour, whilst Cara performed a few beautiful numbers form her music album that set the mood to the gala evening.   

The Images RetailME Awards since its launch has set benchmarks in becoming the largest and the most prestigious awards in the retail sector. Known as the ‘Oscars’ of the retail world, these awards honour excellence in retail - from fashion, food, consumer electronics, health and beauty, leisure and entertainment to best marketing, best social media campaigns, store design and responsible group of the year.