DUBBO retailer Anthony Barnes has been awarded the 2013 Sportspower Store of the Year award.
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The award was announced at a sports industry gala dinner during the annual four-day Sportspower conference in Melbourne.
Brian Barnes Sportspower beat more than 160 stores throughout Australia to win the prestigious award and also took out the NSW Store of the Year award.
The award is based on several criteria including customer service, store presentation, range of product, product knowledge, staff training, involvement in group activities and business management.
Anthony Barnes co-ordinates advertising campaigns on behalf of the seven Sportspower stores in the central west region.
He is an active member of specialist advisory committees which select products on behalf of the national network.
He has worked in the store for 21 years and bought the business from his parents, Brian and Marea, in 2005.
He said the win reflected a family business with a focus on customer service, backed up by a great team of staff with a wealth of experience who take great pride in their work.
"Retail is about customer service, hard work and attention to detail," he said.
"We work to create an atmosphere that's comfortable. We know people's names and their children, the sports they play and what's going on in their lives.
"Our family business has seen generations of Dubbo and district people come through the store who are now bringing their children and grandchildren to buy their first soccer boots or tennis racquet.
"Knowing our customers as well as knowing our products inside out means we can meet their needs and that ensures they keep coming back."
Mr Barnes credits the win to great staff, led by Veronica Schultz and Kelly Dalton, who have extensive experience in sports retailing and Justin Sutton who has been a key member of the team for the past few years.
More recently Jed McAnespie, Calvin Ireson and Kirsti Graham joined the staff.