Poole celebrated the stars of the town's retail world at the Top of the Shops Awards.

Sponsored by Sibbett Gregory and Breeze Volkswagen, the retail BAFTA's were attended by over 90 retailers and representatives from across Poole. 

A glittering ceremony at the Quay Thistle Hotel on 9^th May saw winners Beales, based in the Dolphin Shopping Centre and Broadstone's Glow Health & Beauty, walk away with the top accolade of Best Overall Retailer for the Multiples and Independents respectively.

Now in its 7^th year, the awards saw a great response with 70 businesses entering eight awards, broken down into Independent and Multiple retailer categories.  Putting them to the test on skills including window displays, staff knowledge and the payment process were independent mystery shoppers from Retail Resource Dorset.

The event, organised by Poole Town Centre Partnership and supported by the Borough of Poole's Economic Development team, was a huge success with Wave 105's breakfast presenter, Steve Power announcing winners such as Leightons Opticians and Dancemania for Best Customer Service, Marshalls Pet Food Store for Best Newcomer and Primark for Best Security Practice.

Topshop were the winners in the new Dolphin Shopping Centre Customer Service Award.  John Grinnell, Centre Manager of the Dolphin Centre, Poole, said: "We are really pleased to be sponsoring the Dolphin Centre Customer Service Award at Top of the Shops for the first time this year.  It is great to be part of an initiative which celebrates the hard work and dedication of the retail staff in the Dolphin Centre, without whom the centre would not have the strong offering that it does." 

Other winners on the night included Beales and Guitar Mania for best window displays, Dancemania won Social Media Star and Quay Holidays won the Website Wonder award.

Jonathan Sibbett, Chairman of Poole Town Centre Partnership and Director at sponsors Sibbett Gregory, said: "This year proved exceptionally difficult to pick the winners as standards were so high.  Local shops are an essential part of the fabric of any thriving local community. By concentrating on great service, good product knowledge and that personal touch, Poole's retailers are consistently raising their standards in response to these tough economic times."

John Corderoy, Managing Director of Breeze Volkswagen, said: "All the winners of this year's Top of the Shops Awards have demonstrated something really special - a spark of brilliance that means they are able to stand out from the crowd.  It has been a challenging year for business however the excellence demonstrated by all the award winners highlights that Poole's retail community is dedicated to raising standards, ultimately helping to drive the economy forward.  We'd like to congratulate all the winners."