Bonds, Appliances Online, Lush, Citizen Wolf and Dymocks were among the winners at the National Retail Awards on Wednesday night, in a celebration of the industry at large. 

National Retail Association chief executive Dominique Lamb said they were proud to represent retailers who are constantly seeking to evolve and improve.

“The fact that nominations for our 2019 Retail Awards come from global retailers, Australia’s major retailers and some incredibly successful small retailers shows the incredible diversity of Australian retail,” Lamb said. 

“These are the retailers who are the face of modern Australian retail.”

Bonds Australia took home the prize of large retailer of the year, having opened more than 130 stores across Australia and New Zealand since 2012 – 24 of which have opened over the last 12 months – while retaining a net promoter score of 80. 

Book retailer Dymocks were named social responsibility champions for their efforts to raise literacy in local areas – specifically though raising $164,000 over the past year through its Dymock children’s charities, as well as launching the “books for kids” initiative. 

The online retailer of the year award was taken home by Appliances Online, due to its high levels of customer satisfaction – with a net promoter score of 80.1 in the month of May, as well as 23 per cent year on year sales growth.

Sportspower Super Warehouse was named medium retailer of the year, and The Party People small retailer of the year.

Using algorithms and on-demand manufacturing to create clothing ethically and sustainably, fashion retailer Citizen Wolf was named innovation champions.

Additionally, sustainability leader Lush took home the customer experience champion award for its Lush Lab’s digital product release platform – which saw innovative new products rolled out over the course of the year, tested by customers, with the best launched for the long-term.