Lincolnshire shopping complex, Browns of York named Retailer of the Year in local awards

A new department store in a Lincolnshire shopping complex has been named Retailer of the Year at a local awards ceremony.

Browns of York picked up the title at the Marshall's Yard Awards in Gainsborough.

In addition, the store's supervisor Jodie Pacey beat competition from other Marshall's Yard employees to collect the individual Shining Star honour.

The £1 million Browns shop opened last summer.

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It replaced the former Carpetright outlet in the £39 million retail park.

It was only the fourth store to be launched by the Yorkshire-based family business in its 100-year history.

And on Tuesday, March 19, its eight-strong team of representatives at the Prezzo restaurant collected the main award, which was sponsored by Echo publishers Lincolnshire Media. It was decided on a public online vote on both Marshall's Yard and thisislincolnshire websites, with coupons available in stores and in the newspaper.

Miss Pacey said: "It was a really big shock to win the individual award.

"But we all love working at Browns – it's an amazing place.

"It's a true family company and it's reflected in our customer service, which I think helped to win the retailer of the year award."

Browns lingerie manager Grace Turver said: "Jodie really deserved our award and we texted our manager Wendy Stephenson to say we'd won two awards.

"She said it was fantastic and the management team were highly delighted."

There was also an awards double for Kelly Perkins of The Body Shop – who collected both the manager of the year title and the store customer service award.

Brantano footwear took the green business category, Sills and Betteridge solicitors took the most improved section, Bella Fiore beauticians won the community engagement award and Costa Coffee were team investment winners.

Marshall's Yard managing director Mark Dransfield told an audience of 80 store staff that, with all the centre's 30-plus units now let, the awards represented quality of service.

"There has been a lot of commitment by the companies in the last few years and it's been a privilege to work with such nice people," he said.

Event MC, South Yorkshire-based retail guru George Elliot, compared Marshall's Yard to the UK Olympics 2012 cycling team, which swept the board with seven out of eight available gold medals.

"The secret is in being better at everything than your competitors," Mr Elliott said.

"In business, if you are doing exactly that you will be successful.

"That's why it's a privilege to come here and see the high standard of retailing."