Member stores were recently congratulated by the Danks Group through its 2008 Retailer of the Year awards. Home Timber & Hardware, Thrifty-Link Hardware and Plants Plus Garden Centre owners picked up state and national awards at the Danks Evolution Gala Dinner, held at Melbourne Crown Palladium.

Danks national retail operations manager Steven Johnston said “More than ever independent retailers recognize the need to refresh their store environments on a regular basis and it is extremely pleasing to have a constant stream of forward thinking members who are investing in their longer term futures.

“As a consequence store standards have continued to improve year on year reflecting the input of the incredibly talented Danks store development teams who have consistently reinvigorated around 50 stores per annum for the last five years.

“These stores also consistently produce the best results and it is little wonder that they feature so strongly in our winnersÕ list.”

National Retailer of the Year for the Home Timber & Hardware group was Juncken Home Timber & Hardware in South Australia; Queensland member Plainlands Hardware & Rural took the top spot for Thrifty-Link Hardware; and Botanical Creations of Victoria scooped the national award for Plants Plus Garden Centres.

The Danks Group is celebrating 150 years of business.