The much heralded fashion fiesta of the year organised by IMAGES Group, came to a sizzling end with the announcement of industry’s highly acknowledged awards. The IFAs (IMAGES Fashion Awards) are presented annually at the IFF to outstanding achievers of the fashion and retail industry. This year, for the first time, IFA, in its tenth year, honoured enduring regional retailers from across the country for their contribution towards building brands and pushing fashion consumption.
The ‘Most Admired Independent Regional Retailer (East)’ award was presented to Sohum Shoppe from Guwahati and Jade Blue from Ahmedabad. Ritu Wears won the award in the same category from north while HI Style from Chennai was declared as the winner from south region.
The ‘Most Admired Large Format National Fashion Retailer of the Year’ award was bagged by five-year-old Central for outstanding growth, expansion, profitability and branding. Rakesh Biyani, CEO, Pantaloon received the award. Kishore Bhatija, CEO, Inorbit Malls presented the Large Format National Fashion Retailer award for outstanding achievement in consumer recognition and loyalty to Govind Shrikhande, President & CEO, Shoppers Stop.
‘The Most Admired Private Label Fashion Retailer of the Year’ was bagged by Westside which has 90 per cent of its merchandise as private label brands and witnessed a growth of nearly 28 per cent in the retail space last year, despite the downturn.
The ‘Benetton IFA Most Admired Retailer of the Decade’ awards were presented by Sanjeev Mohanty, MD, Benetton India Pvt Ltd to G&B Fashions, Lalit Fashions and Kapsons.
Kamal Watch Co. bagged the ‘Titan IFA Most Admired Multibrand Retailer of the Year Award’ while Central was declared the ‘Titan IFA’s Most Admired Large Format Retailer of the Year’.
The Gini & Jony IFA awards for the ‘Most Admired Franchisee of the Year’, the ‘Most Admired Multi Brand Retailer of the Year’ and the ‘Most Admired Large Format Retailer of the Year’ were presented to Peanuts Retail (Siliguri), Baby Bell (Mumbai) and Shoppers Stop.
Shoppers Stop also bagged the prestigious ‘Gitanjali IFA Most Admired Large Format Retail Partner of the Year’ honour.
Finally, the ‘IFA Most Admired Fashion Retail Professional of the Year’ award was presented to Govind Shrikhande, President & CEO, Shoppers Stop.
Amitabh Taneja, CMD, IMAGES Group concluded the ceremony on an optimistic note owing gratitude to the industry stalwarts and participants of the event.
— IndiaRetailing Bureau
