We came runner up in the Retail NZ Awards 2019!

First published in The Te Awamutu Courier on August 1, 2019. Republished here with permission.

The team at Showcase Jewellers Te Awamutu were stoked to be the only Waikato business to make the finals of this year’s Retail NZ Awards – they were even more excited to finish runners-up in the nationwide event announced recently.
Retail NZ Awards is New Zealand’s leading retail awards competition, recognising the best of Kiwi retailers, no matter how big or small or whether they be online or bricks and mortar stores.
The event is run every two years.
Showcase Jewellers Te Awamutu was the only Waikato-based store to reach the finals.
They were in the Omni Channel Award Category and in for the ultimate prize of being awarded Supreme Award – Small Retailer.
Finalists were announced in June following a rigorous process.
Each entrant had to submit a detailed entry on their store describing why and how they are the best at what they do.
All entrants were then mystery shopped to measure their in-store experience, based on criteria relating to the categories entered and the results of this assessment were used to identify finalists in each category.
Kirsty and Richard Walker have owned Showcase Jewellers Te Awamutu (formerly Beamish Gemtime Jewellers) for 15 years.
Richard is a manufacturing jeweller with many years’ experience while Kirsty uses her market research and analysis background for day-to-day running of the store.

Kirsty credits the team with the success of the business.
“We work with a fabulous and supportive team.
“They’re actively involved with new ideas, helping to create something that works well within our team and most importantly for our customers.”
She says Showcase Jewellers Te Awamutu is a regular jewellery store.
“We make, custom design, repair and sell all types of fine jewellery.
“We stock a range of top local and international jewellery and watch brands, are able to help with valuations, insurance claims, watch repairs and battery replacements.
“However, our main focus and passion is on diamond and coloured stone jewellery education, helping customers make their best decisions when they’re making significant jewellery purchases, whether that be for an engagement, wedding, anniversary or some other special occasion, ultimately helping them create their own precious memories,” Kirsty says.
Showcase Jewellers Te Awamutu also has their range available from www.jewelleryhub.co.nz – as well as useful information about jewellery choices and care.

The latest development has been their free e-book Buying an engagement ring – all you need to know which can be downloaded from the site (look under the ‘About’ tab).
“It really does cover everything you need to know about buying an engagement ring and is something we’d encourage people to read even if they want to purchase from another jewellery store,” says Kirsty.