Retail and placemaking organisation Revo has announced a new awards programme to celebrate the good within the retail and leisure property industry over what it calls ‘an extremely challenging period’ (Jan 2020 to March 2022).
In light of the issues that have faced the industry and society over the last 2 years, Revo has decided to recognise and celebrate the acheivements across the industry. This year the awards are split into three categories:
- Revo REFLECT – Inspire and share your successes during the impact of COVID-19
- Revo REINVIGORATE – Development work or refurbishment that has taken place to enhance and improve destinations.
- Revo REPRESENT – Individuals representing the best the retail and leisure industry has to offer, individuals who have gone over and above.
Full details of entry requirements for each category can be found on the Revo Awards Website. Judges will be spotlighting submissions that they feel should receive particular merit through ‘Judges’Choice’ selection. The recognition physical event information is to follow shortly after the closing of the judging period.
“The introduction of national lockdowns and severe restrictions to slow the spread Covid- 19 presented huge challenges for everyone involved in the asset management and day-to-day running of retail places,” commented Michell Buxton, founder of Mallcomm and Toolbox Marketing, and member of the Revo Operating Board.
“Closing centres, maintaining social distancing, reacting quickly to changes in guidance and spikes in cases required joined up thinking and constant communication between dozens of stakeholders across centre management teams, retailers, transport authorities, local government and nearby businesses and residents.
With the worst of the pandemic now behind us and with centres in most locations now open and trading well. I am pleased to say this spirit of collaboration has remained. Retailers and landlords are now working much more closely together to create an enhanced environment for shoppers and deliver an experience that cannot be replicated online.
“The early signs are positive. with rebounding and e-commerce retreating from the artificial peak of 2020. Moving forward, technology holds the key to sustaining this deeper level of collaboration and creating truly connected retail places.”
Neil Hockin, director of Lunson Mitchenall and member of the Revo Operating Board, said, “The physical relationship between retailer and their customer is increasingly important, quality of service and presentation of product are an important part of the process, but nothing beats a the wow factor when customer first sees a new store.
“There are numerous notable examples of retailers, restaurateurs and leisure operators innovating and challenging the way we think about fit outs and customer interaction which is key to the renaissance of physical retail.
“We have seen some amazing new stores open over the last year. Soho House’s, Soho Home Studio store on London Kings Rd combines the quality and exclusivity associated with the group’s members clubs with the accessibility of a High St interiors shop. Harrods, with their H Beauty concept have shown us that cosmetics and beauty products have a home outside of Department stores and set a bench mark others in the sector will have to try and follow. The restaurant sector has seen some interesting new openings, Eataly in Broadgate Circus is an emporium of quality produce to eat in store or take home, whilst the Big Mamma Group’s Ave Mario pizzeria in Covent garden combines great food with a the prefect Instagram back drop.
“However, for pure wow factor it is hard to look beyond the Zara store in Edinburgh St James. Zara are always innovating whether it be in product lines, point of sale experience or through their supply chain. The new Edinburgh store stands out from the crowd and entices customers in with a sense of luxury and the promise of an unmatched shopping experience. Zara always do it their way which is normally the best way!”
