Winning the Small Retailer catagory was Cambridgeshire’s Alan’s Ark.
A judge who was extremely impressed with his shopping experience at Alan’s Ark said, “The level of service was truly exceptional and the shop was obviously a very well-regarded and popular venue. All in all, it was a remarkable experience – Alan’s Ark should run seminars on how to do courteous and helpful service to customers under pressured circumstances.”
Alan’s Ark was founded in 1997 and is run by Alan and Carole White who employ a staff of 14 between their shops in Soham and Fulbourn. Carole said, “Last year we were delighted to have both of our shops in the final, and this year to win this prestigious award is amazing, especially as there are over 2000 nominations for the Retailer of the Year Award. In the best traditions of a specialist retailer we always endeavour to offer a personal, yet professional service, our staff are marvellous and it’s satisfying to know that our combined efforts have been rewarded, and all the more so as we were nominated primarily by our customers, and our trade suppliers.”