Time is running out to vote for the annual intu Eldon Square retailer awards, celebrating the very best stores and staff from the popular shopping centre at the heart of the city of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Members of the general public have been voting online for their favourite retailers from over 130 stores, who are competing for 11 awards, including menswear and womenswear store of the year, newcomer of the year and customer service star. A new category for 2017 is for top food and drink outlet, a highly prized award following the opening of intu Eldon Square’s dining quarter last autumn.
Voting closes on Thursday 31 August, after which the votes are counted and the winners kept under wraps until the awards celebration in October, sponsored by Motel One. Newcastle’s Boiler House venue will be transformed into an elaborate scene from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, showcasing Willy Wonka themed decorations and edible centre pieces at the gala dinner.
Daniel Errington-Barnes, retail liaison coordinator at intu Eldon Square, and event organiser, said:
“We’ve had a tremendous response from our loyal customers who have been keen to vote for their favourite stores; voting takes minutes – and by taking part you could be in with a chance of winning a fabulous £150 intu Gift Card. Last year over 3,000 shoppers nominated their favourite stores and highlighted excellence in customer service, and we’re well on the way to an increased number of votes this year.
“It’s extremely important for us to identify, recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions our retailers make to intu Eldon Square, and to thank them for the superlative customer service they provide throughout the year.
“We’re looking forward to a tremendous celebration at the Boiler Shop; a spectacular venue that can bring any themed event to life and ensure our retailers enjoy a truly memorable occasion. The evening also provides our hard-working staff an opportunity to get together for a fun evening before their hectic festive retail season. Our Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme allows me to channel my inner Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka in order to encourage our shoppers to place their votes!”
Phil Steele, centre manager at intu Eldon Square, added:
“The Retailer Awards are now an eagerly anticipated highlight of our calendar – customer votes give retail and restaurant staff the opportunity to receive both positive and constructive feedback, . The awards are always hotly contended, however the event is extremely unifying as it recognises and celebrates the hard work and dedication of all staff throughout the centre. I’m very much looking forward to the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory event theming, but I draw the line at dressing as an oompa loompa!”
Vote for your favourite retailers for the chance to win a £150 intu gift card