Member Article

National awards for North East retailer

North East giftware chain Collectables has picked up another national award, being named Best Multiple Retailer in the Progressive Gifts Greats Awards 2009.

“The gift industry is enormous, and to be recognised on a national level like this makes us extremely proud,” said Collectables chairman Philip Lewis. “We don’t trade anywhere outside the North East, so to be recognised on a national platform like this is extremely gratifying.”

This is the sixth national award in as many years for the company, which has recently expanded to 12 stores throughout the North East and acquired Mandale Fine Furniture in Stockton.

The chain was named Independent Retailer of the Year (Midlands and North) in the Progressive Gifts Greats Awards 2003 and was named Greatest of the Greats 2004 and Best China and Giftware Retailer 2004. Mr Lewis was awarded an Honorary Achievement Award in 2006.

“This latest award means that, while from a customer’s point of view, we’re a local family company, as far as the industry itself is concerned, we’re ranking very highly nationally and are able to punch well above our weight in that respect,” Mr Lewis said.

“Although it has been harder for companies to expand over the last few years, we have managed to do that through good housekeeping and keeping a constant eye on stock levels and efficiencies, and I think we’ve pulled it off. I think our business is in very good condition.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .