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Retail Awards

The Australian Retailers Association has named a Hills couple and their local post office branch as Australia’s franchisee of the Year.

Frank and Clara De Masi received the national award recently at a glittering ceremony at the Conference Hall, Crown Promenade Melbourne.

The couple opened the Stanhope Gardens Licensed Post Office 18 years ago at a brand new greenfield site.

Frank said: “We opened with only two terminals with myself and my Manager Janette Carlyon who is still working alongside me today.

“We expanded into new premises in August 2013 and also expanded our operations purchasing Kellyville Post Office (in 2013) which was very tired and run down.

“We now have a team of 20 people working for us and our high standards of customer service is one of the main reasons for our expansion and success.”

Frank said Australia Post received 326 expressions of interest when they sought someone to operate the new site at Stanhope Gardens.

Frank and Clare de Masi Retail Award winners

He had worked with Australia Post for 21 years and had operated three hairdressing franchisees with his wife. He had also worked at Dymocks as a Store Liaison Manager for NSW looking after 19 Franchised Stores and two Company owned stores.

Frank said receiving the National award in Melbourne was a huge honour.

“With around 94,000 mumand- dad franchisees across Australia, including 2,900 Australia Post licensees, this award is a huge achievement.

“I’m incredibly proud of my team, who consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional customer service to both our retail and business customers.”

He said Stanhope Gardens is one of the busiest Passport Processing outlets in Australia.

“We also have a large number of Business Customers we closely work with to provide them with the best possible solutions with the e-commence needs.

“Outside that we continue to provide old fashion fast and good service to all our customers who attend both our outlets at Stanhope Gardens and Kellyville.”

Australian Retailers Association (ARA) CEO, Paul Zahra said: “The inaugural ARA Australian Retail Awards were a glittering opportunity to honour some of the hardest working people in the retail sector.

“This is a sector that generates $420 billion for the Australian economy, and it’s essential that we continue to recognise those who are making a positive change in our industry.”

American Express vice president and general manager of global merchant services, Robert Tedesco said the Awards highlighted the resilience of Australian retailers.

“By supporting small retailers through initiatives like the annual American Express Shop Small campaign, we’re able to back the business owners who dedicate their time to serving their communities.”

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