Service award to smile about

By Kath Gannaway
SHOPPERS at Ritchies Supa IGA Yarra Glen can expect even bigger smiles from staff as they pass through the checkout, after news that the store has won a major award for customer service.
The store, which was officially opened on Black Saturday, was awarded the Supa IGA Service Department of the Year Award at the group’s annual awards in Queensland.
Ritchies CEO Fred Harrison and State Manager Steve Miller accepted the awards on behalf of the Yarra Glen management and staff. Yarra Glen manager Mark Mussared said his crew were thrilled.
“This is about customer service people are getting throughout the store, and it is great recognition that is shared by everyone who works here,” he said.
Mr Mussared said customer service was the key to success in what was an increasingly tough retail environment.
Mr Harrison said receiving a Retailer of the Year Award was a great honour and a great achievement.
“We are delighted to be recognised for all our efforts,” he said.
He said the company was proud of the high standards set by at Yarra Glen, and thanked the staff for their dedication and hard work.
Regular customer Sally Marshall endorsed the award as a local, saying she was always served with a smile and everyone knew her by name.
“They even know my regular shopping time, and look at their watches if I come at the wrong time,” she said.
There are more than 1300 independently owned and operated IGA stores across Australia.