QBD Books named finalist in 2021 National Retail Awards
QBD Books is a finalist in the 2021 National Retail Awards for the title of Large Retailer of the Year.
The Brisbane-based book retailer said in a statement that despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, QBD’s online store ‘proved incredibly successful throughout the peak of Covid-19 lockdowns’ as a result of the company quickly expanding its online service and fulfilment centre. The chain has also expanded its footprint over the past year.
QBD now has 81 stores across the country, including two new Melbourne stores that opened in October 2020 and new stores in Queensland and New South Wales that opened earlier this year.
‘We are very excited to be named a finalist in the 2021 National Retail Awards,’ said CEO Nicholas Croydon. ‘This is a great honour following on from what has been a very challenging year for all retailers. We are also very proud of our dedicated and hard-working staff who worked tirelessly to provide service to customers during the pandemic.’
The company said staff care was central to its strategy at the height of the 2020 lockdowns. ‘Supporting our staff throughout the pandemic was central to our Covid-19 strategy because we know that their knowledge is integral to the business,’ said Croydon. ‘Nothing can replace the invaluable personal advice and service our customers receive in store.’
QBD said it ensured no permanent staff were made redundant and created new jobs for Melbourne staff during the city’s extended lockdown. Daily check-ins and support were provided by regional managers and an online portal of communication was created for staff to ask questions.
Non-Melbourne QBD staff ‘gave away 50% of their incentives in August to Melbourne staff during the lockdown’, the company said, adding that this was matched by QBD Books.
‘QBD also set up Zoom groups for its Melbourne staff to boost morale and provided them with$100 gift vouchers and hampers, as well as Christmas gifts for team leaders to thank them for their perseverance throughout the difficult times.’
The winner of the Large Retailer of the Year award will be announced at a Gold Coast awards gala event on Friday, 27 August.
Category: Awards Local news
