At the TRRAIN Retail Awards 2013 we witnessed the stories of sincerity, dedication and quick wit that showcased excellence in retail service. On 12th December, 2013, 21 retail associates from all over India were felicitated for their dedication to service excellence. STOrai profiles the award ceremony.
TRRAIN Retail Awards is the only retail award in the country which recognizes and rewards front line retail associates for service excellence. Founded by BS Nagesh, one of the pioneers of Modern Retail in India, and a founder member of Shopper’s Stop, the trust (TRRAIN stands for Trust for Retailers and Retail Associates in India) works to empower front end staff in Retail.
The trust has programs to enhance vocational retail skills, create sustainable livelihoods for differently-abled youth (through an initiative called Pankh), and instill a sense of pride and dignity for retail employees through initiatives like Retail Employees’ Day (RED).
The third edition of the TRRAIN Retail Awards was held on Retail Employees’ Day – December 12, 2013. The awards honor excellence in customer service across categories like Food & Grocery, Lifestyle, Retail Services, and Restaurant & Multiplexes. This year over 4000 entries were received of which four regional winners were announced for each category – one from each zone, i.e., North, South, West, and East. There were also special awards for in two categories the ‘Being-Human Awards’ (showcasing humane service) and the Integrity Awards. Three National Winners were also declared namely, Gurdit Singh from HyperCity, Neha Kumari of Domino’s, and Satish Pandey of Shoppers Stop, were announced by BS Nagesh, Founder, TRRAIN and D ShivaKumar, Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo out of the 16 regional winners.
The jury comprised of the experts from the F&B industry, retail, art & literature led by former CEO of Crossword Bookstore, R Sriram. Other jury members included Samir Kukreja from National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI); Amitabh Taneja, Chief Convener, India Retail Forum; Akash Sahai, MD, AIMIA; Urvashi Bhutalia, an author; and Ireena Vittal, an independent consultant. “This year the stories of customer service excellence are exceptional. We have seen our associates using skills to serve customers at the same time increase sales,” says BS Nagesh, Founder, TRRAIN. Each story of 2013 was commendable and inspirational. Some braved extreme weather, some ensured service in the face of personal injury, and some faced an accident to deliver to their customers.
