The winners of the inaugural Online Retail Industry Awards (ORIA) have been announced at a gala ceremony at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre Parkside Ballroom, with newcomers to the industry and more established players both taking out prestigious awards.
“The enthusiasm and desire for continuous improvement in the online retail industry is overwhelming, and we believe these awards will not only serve to recognise and celebrate excellence, but challenge all retailers to elevate standards and implement best practice,” says Grant Arnott, program director of ORIA.
“This can only be a good thing for the industry, and we’re extremely proud to now have a forum for building marks of excellence.
“Certainly the retailers I spoke to who missed out are already planning an assault on next year’s awards program.”
ABC Shop took out the top gong being awarded Online Retailer of the Year and received a second mention when it scooped the prize of Best Multichannel Retailer.
The online retailer is noted for its use of interactive online content that is also available through in-store services in bricks-and-mortar ABC Shops throughout the country.
Launched less than a year ago, Shoes of Prey cemented its already solid reputation for originality when it was recognised with three awards including Best New Online Retailer, Most Innovative Online Retailer and Best Online Marketing Initiative by virtue of the company’s YouTube campaign and its embracement of social media.
Appliances Online, a white goods supplier, also took out multiple awards and was named the winner of two categories – Pure-Play Retailer and Best Customer Experience.
The award for Emerging Star was handed to Scoopon for its imaginative coupon website, while Best Use of Technology was scooped by City Beach.
Best Site Design went to Big Brown Box for its ordered design, while the coveted Industry Recognition Award was garnered by Matt Bullock of eWay, acknowledging his longstanding involvement in the online payments space.