ET Retail Awards jury picks its nominees

MUMBAI: Innovation and customer-centric approach was the overarching theme of discussions at the meeting to decide on the Economic Times Retail Awards 2014. At the same time, the jury was responding to widespread concern on profitability especially in the wake of a slowing consumer market.

The jury, which met on March 14 for the final round, also considered winners for emerging trends such as e-commerce, rural retailing and employee diversity. However, the nominees were primarily judged on how well the retailers have embedded ideas into their business practices — in terms of the innovation, its impact thereof and sustainability of the innovation.

Almost two years of consumer slowdown, the shadow of crisis looms over several retail sub-segments too. Fittingly, therefore, the winners of ET Retail Awards will be those whose pragmatism and confidence serve as examples for others in the consumer service industry.

The process began with self-nomination by more than 200 applicants which was collated and offered to the jury that held the screening process to arrive at top 3 nominees in each category. The scores of the jury were then captured for independent tabulation by PwC.

The seven-member jury met again on Friday for the final round to debate and evaluate the presentations submitted by senior executives from the top three nominated retailers. The jury divided into three groups to judge different categories.

The awards ceremony will be held in Mumbai on March 21, and will honour the winners in 21 award categories. The Economic Times recognises and encourages the pursuit of excellence and the evangelists of change in the retail sector through these awards.