SUPPORTING quality retail is much easier when you are setting the benchmark for others.
IKEA Reading claimed top spot at last year’s Reading Retail Awards and the furniture giant continues to support a sustainable approach.
Store manager Kim Chin-Sung says it is vital to support local businesses and to celebrate excellence.
She said: “As a values-driven organisation, IKEA’s vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people, which includes the communities and businesses surrounding our stores.
“This will be our second year running sponsoring the Sustainable Retailer award, a cause we are passionate about.
“Sustainability is at the heart of the IKEA business and we aim to inspire and enable people all over the world to live better lives within the limits of the planet.”
True Foods Community Cooperative won the prize last year and a number of top retailers have been shortlisted following a competitive voting process.
As well as transforming the way we live through sustainability, IKEA promotes quality and affordable furnishings, which captured to attention of the retail awards judges last year.
Kim Chin-Sung added: “IKEA Reading was honoured to be awarded Reading’s Retailer of the Year last year.
“Being recognised by the community for this prestigious award made us incredibly proud of what we have achieved so far and inspired for what is to come, as we continue to grow with the community.
“We look forward to another great evening in which we recognise businesses big and small for their achievements in retailing and value to the local community.”
The judges now have the unenviable task of whittling down the entries to a shortlist in preparation for the awards evening.
A full list of finalists will be available in next week’s Chronicle.
Tickets are still on sale for the ceremony, priced at £75 and £700 for tables of 10.