Independent retailers in the SPAR supermarket group recently enjoyed the company’s fifth annual trade show, a three day event at the Gold Coast Jupiters Casino which culminated with a Moulin Rouge themed gala awards night.

Awards for retail excellence included the 5 Star Store of the Year Award won by the Blackall outlet, the Express Store of the Year Award taken by Toowoomba’s Mackenzie Row store, the Supermarket of the Year Award won by West Kempsey’s SPAR (pictured) and the Award for Excellence won by Geoff Ashton.

SPAR Supermarket of the Year Award winners Geoff and Sue Bryon said the trade show provided a great opportunity to find new ideas to help build their business.

Between the workshops, guest speakers and general mingling, we found the show invaluable in terms of gathering lots of snippets from other retailers to make managing our business that much easier, they said.

Suppliers such as Coca Cola Amatil exhibited at the trade event with 112 stands showcasing the latest products and exclusive trade show deals.