After five years in business, Hunting for George has been nominated as a finalist in the Online Retail Industry Awards (ORIAs) for Best Small Online Retailer. This category is new to the ORIAs and businesses must have between two and 10 employees, demonstrate best practices in ecommerce, demonstrate innovation and growth and hold an effective business strategy.

The awards exist to recognise excellence in ecommerce retailing; an irrefutably growing market which, according to NAB’s Online Retail Sales Index, now accounts for nine per cent or $16.6 billion of traditional retail spending.

“It’s great to be recognised as a stand out small ecommerce business in Australia, there are so many quality stores opening every year,” says co-founder Lucy Glade-Wight. “We just try to do things a little different.”

Hunting for George has been making homes awesome since 2010. What began in a spare room has now expanded into an established and widely admired online homewares destination. Co-founders Glade-Wright and Jo Harris set out with a clear goal in mind – to create an online space that offered you more. Craving engagement with their customers, the duo quickly began to develop engaging ways to interact with their audience. With personality a key focal point, Hunting for George also celebrates its dedication to quality, customer service and style.

Hunting for George has always focused its attention towards the co-founders key strengths within design and customer service. A combination that has paid off for the sister duo as sales revenue has increased between 200 and 400 per cent in each year of operation with no outside investment.

“From start to finish, our customers receive exemplary service,” explains Harris. “We strive to leave every customer feeling great about being part of our community. Even If we come across a disgruntled customer, it’s so satisfying turning them into one who recommends us to their friends.”

Hunting for George is currently working on a major website upgrade due to launch later this year.

The ORIAs will be held on Thursday 23 July at the Dockside Pavillion, Darling Harbour in Sydney.