Wednesday, December 3, 2014 (Toronto) - The Canadian Gift Association (CanGift) is pleased to announce that The Old Tin Shed is the 2014 winner of their coveted Canadian Retailer of the Year Award (ROY).
The Old Tin Shed Opened by mother and daughter team of Janis Whitehead and Dagny Musclow in 2003, The Old Tin Shed prides itself on giving its customers choices not found in many other places. The off-the-wall wall decor, like rusty metal word signs and creative iron hooks, brings people from all over Ontario to Bancroft in search of unique gift and home ideas. With a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional customer service, as well as its ideal location on Highway 28, The Old Tin Shed is a favoured haunt for locals, cottagers and people out enjoying a drive.
Three years ago, The Old Tin Shed moved location, completely renovating an old church into a charming gift shop. The whole family, including both Dagny's and Janis' husbands, helped to convert the outside for rustic appeal, with a welcoming front porch and old wooden fencing. To keep that feel flowing into the interior of the store and to innovatively display their unique merchandise, all of The Old Tin Shed's displays are created from reclaimed, wooden pieces, replicas of old closets, old doors and windows as well as other found, antique and old items.
"Success for The Old Tin Shed stems from: dedicated, directed, teamwork; a passion for the creative business; and an acknowledgement that the customer is our first and highest priority,” says Janis. “This national award is a confirmation of our philosophy and has been one of our goals since we opened our doors. As we move forward, we will do so with confidence and assurance from our peers that we are on the right track. We are so very grateful to have received this honour, and although, the track we have chosen has brought us success, we will remain open to new ideas and direction, while always striving to remain on the cutting edge of retail," she adds.
The Old Tin Shed is very involved in the community, donating, sponsoring and participating in many events and fundraisers as well as holding positions on the board of Business Improvements (BIA) and the Bancroft & District Chamber of Commerce. Its recognitions include CanGift Retailer of Distinction 2008 and a tourism award (HOT) from Hastings County.
CanGift's Retailer of the Year Award is based on criteria that are vital to retail success including: visual merchandising and store design; business achievements; advertising and public relations; community involvement; and originality and innovation. Once a retailer is short listed by the judges, a secret shopper visits the store. The winner is officially awarded at a reception held during the Spring Toronto Gift Fair.
2014 winners in other categories include:
Retailer of Distinction: Accents for Living
Retailer of Distinction: Suite Dreams Home Emporium
Supplier of the Year (Large): Splash International Marketing Inc.
Supplier of the Year (Medium): Stargazer Original Inc.
Supplier of the Year (Small): byChance
Supplier of the Year Honourable Mention (Large): Enesco Canada Corporation
Supplier of the Year Honourable Mention (Medium): Grand International Trading
Supplier of the Year Honourable Mention (Small): Ma's Kitchen Inc.
Sales Representative of the Year (Independent): Laurel Owens
Sales Representative of the Year (Corporate): Clark Cooper
Sales Representative of the Year Honourable Mention (Independent): Rosy Loewith
Sales Representative of the Year Honourable Mention (Corporate): Jacqueline Kent
CanGift is a national not-for-profit association dedicated to improving competitive capabilities and business effectiveness by giving suppliers and retailers opportunities to interact in Canada's $10 billion giftware industry. CanGift owns the Toronto, Alberta and Quebec Gift Fairs, all of which run twice a year.
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