DB Awards: Retailer of the Year

We continue to look ahead to the 2011 Drinks Business Awards with a look back at last year’s Retail Award, which was won by Sainsbury’s.

The supermarket chain won off the back of strong growth both in terms of sales and customer numbers, despite strong competition from within the buoyant retail sector.

Sainsbury’s was praised for the way it had fostered "growth in the category, numerous changes in their work with segmentation, identification of customer set and innovation in the way they merchandise".

Over the course of the year, Sainsbury’s achieved growth of 10.6% in BWS, with customer numbers increasing by 5.6%. The store’s customers also spent 5.1% more on wine than they had done in 2009.

Sainsbury’s also won praise for the way it had revolutionised its wine aisle layout, with clearer signage to help customers find what they were looking for.

Runner-up Laithwaites was commended for the launch of its new flagship store at Vinopolis in London Bridge and a revamp of the company website to make online purchasing even easier for customers.

If you think your organisation has what it takes to make an impact on our judges this year, or to enter any of the other personality, marketing or business categories, click here.

Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony during the London International Wine Fair in May.

For further details call either Hannah Lee on +44 (0)20 7803 2455 or email hannah@thedrinksbusiness.com or call Zoltan Hojsza on +44 (0)20 7803 2424 or email zoltan.hojsza@thedrinksbusiness.com

db, 21.03.2011