Supporting HOTCity Businesses
HOTCity has recently committed sponsorship to entering CBD businesses into both the Top Shop Retail Excellence Awards and the Get Sustainable Challenge.
All HOTCity members were eligible to apply for this sponsorship, and from the entries received, Andrea Moore and the Hemp Store were selected for the Top Shop Awards, and Heritage Hotel and The Vault were selected for the Get Sustainable Challenge.
He also sees the awards as a good way to highlight the many interesting and unique stores we have in the central city compared to the more generic retail offering that you find in the suburbs.
All HOTCity members were eligible to apply for this sponsorship, and from the entries received, Andrea Moore and the Hemp Store were selected for the Top Shop Awards, and Heritage Hotel and The Vault were selected for the Get Sustainable Challenge.
Chris Fowlie of the Hemp Store, which has been in the CBD since 1997, says that they wanted to enter the Top Shop awards to see how well the business is performing, noting the mystery shopping as a great way to identify whether there is anything they could be doing better.
He also sees the awards as a good way to highlight the many interesting and unique stores we have in the central city compared to the more generic retail offering that you find in the suburbs.
Sarah Solaris of The Vault, participating in the Get Sustainable Challenge, says that the store has always tried to limit its environmental impacts, and that since 2009 they have been proactive in encouraging their suppliers to use only biodegradable packaging.
She feels that business owners need to be leaders in finding
innovative and practical solutions to the problems modern humanity has caused
to the planet. She envisages a future where sustainable practices will be normal practice instead of "those greenies
making life difficult".
We wish all four businesses the best of luck!
