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Saturday 4 February 2012

Independent Retailer of the Year

23rd May, 2007 by db_staff

lewis_and_cooperLewis & Cooper

“As I was reading through this entry, I kept on thinking I’d really really love to go and shop there,” enthused one of our judges, discussing Lewis & Cooper’s wine department.

There is, frankly, no finer compliment you could pay an independent retailer. The store has a distinctly traditional feel, “like stepping back in time” to a former era when shopping was a far more personable experience, while the passion and enthusiasm of the team is abundantly evident. “There’s obviously a real love of the business, and that comes through in everything they do.”

While the romanticised, olde worlde feel of the store is central to its success, Lewis & Cooper is by no means stuck in its ways – in fact the store also stood out for the impressive level of fresh thinking and innovation that runs through the business.

The retailer ensures standards remain high by using regular mystery shoppers, while the staff training and events programme impressed the judges. “This may be a very established business, but there are still plenty of contemporary twists…“ Lewis & Cooper epitomises the point of being an independent retailer.

THE RUNNERS-UP 2007

Taurus wines
The judges were immensely impressed with the energy and enthusiasm that runs through everything Taurus Wines does. “He’s absolutely working his guts out, doing the hard miles… and being so evangelical for the wine trade.” A real one-man band, Taurus won over the judges with a truly dedicated approach.

Oxford Wines
Oxford Wines may be well established, but it is still looking to innovate. In particular the judges were impressed by the magazine that the company produces and distributes to customers. “It’s an outstanding feature,” said one judge, “the witty tongue-in-cheek approach really demystifies wine”.

Harrods
Just because the store attracts an incredible array of customers doesn’t make Harrods’ job an easy one, the judges pointed out. They praised the way that the store lives up to the high level of consistency, and is also bold enough to “go out on a limb”, supporting Germany, for example.

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