ALM General Manager Jeremy Goodale presents Craig Waldron with the store’s award.
Waldron's Fresh on River IGA Corowa has been officially recognised after taking out three major awards at the recent Independent Brands Australia (IBA) National Liquor Retailer of the Year awards.
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The store was named the Best IGA Liquor Bottle Shop in Australia and crowned the overall Best Independent Bottle Shop for Victoria and Southern NSW, beating out competitors from Cellarbrations, Bottle-o, Thirsty Camel, and Porters.
With over 850 stores across the country, the IBA National Liquor Retailer of the Year awards is a highly competitive event that showcases the very best independent liquor retailers. The awards recognize those retailers who are achieving excellence in retail standards, customer service, promotional compliance, and brand execution.
Waldron's was selected as the winner by a panel of judges who praised the store's commitment to providing exceptional customer service and retail standards. The store's manager, Dean Charles, was also recognised for his outstanding work and was awarded the National Manager of the Year award.
Wonderful Waldron’s: Representatives from Australian Liquor Marketers joined Waldron’s Fresh on River manager Craig Waldron, his family, staff and Federation Council on Friday to celebrate their recent achievements at the National Liquor Retailer of the Year awards.
Representatives from Australian Liquor Marketers visited the store on Friday to present the awards to the team at Waldron's.
ALM General Manager Jeremy Goodale congratulated store manager Craig Waldon and the team for their success.
“We are thrilled to be here to share this national award with the Waldron’s family” Mr Goodale said.
“Not only did this store win the state store of the year, but they also then went on to achieve the national store of the year.
“What makes it store of the year? Well, it's pretty obvious when you walk in, it’s one of the best liquor stores we have in the country by far. It's what they do with the layout, with the local products, the service standard and what they do for the community.”
Following rousing applause, Craig Waldron thanked his wife, family and the team.
“We couldn’t achieve this without the team. We come up with all these mad ideas and we make it happen,” Craig said.
Federation Council mayor Pat Bourke also congratulated the team.
“On behalf of Federation Council, and doubt the region, we are exceptionally proud of the Waldron family and all their staff and the service they provide in our community,” he said.
“We are so lucky to have such an amazing store here in Corowa which is led by passionate people who continue to be innovative and give back to our community in so many ways. These awards are so well deserved.”
Following the presentation, the store celebrated with tastings from local and regional wine and spirit producers including Billson’s Brewery, Corowa Distilling Co, Buller Wines and De Bortoli Wines as well as a barbecue in the carpark cooked by the local Rotary club.
