Stationery retailer Smiggle has received the top award at the 2010 Australian Retail Awards.
Smiggle unveiled its first store in Melbourne in 2003 making folders, pens and staplers a colour fashion statement.
The Just Group took ownership of the brand in 2007 and since then has opened 54 stores nationwide.
"Smiggle has been presented with the Australian Retailer of the year perpetual trophy, handed over from 2009 winner Country Road," said ARA executive director Russell Zimmermann.
He said that Smiggle emerged victorious in the face of stiff competition.
Other winners included:
- Food, drink and grocery - Coles
- Department stores - David Jones
- Household goods retailing - JB HiFi
- Clothing and footwear - ts14+
- Restaurants, cafés and takeaway - Grill'd
- Specialty retailing - Smiggle
* 2010 Australian Young Retailer of the Year, Charles Hammersla from Kmart in Queensland;
- 2010 Australian Independent Retailer of the Year, Sydney Street Casual in South Australia;
- 2010 ARA Retail Institute Australian Retail Graduate of the Year, Lisa Balakas from Ripe Maternity in Victoria; and the
- 2010 Charter Security Australian Retail Innovator of the Year, Kogan Technologies