Singtel's newest concept store, Singtel shop at Jurong Point, won two retail awards - the Gold Award (Digital and Interactive Media category) at the Global POPAI Awards and the coveted Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) Awards 2009 for Best Retail Concept of the Year. 

 

The 2009 Point of Purchase Advertising International (POPAI) Awards was held in Sydney,Australia, last week. POPAI is a global, non-profit trade association based in Australia, dedicated to serving the interests of all those involved in retail marketing. 

 

In Singapore, Singtel shop won the coveted Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) Awards 2009 for Best Retail Concept of the Year. Singtel was also one of the three finalists in the category 'Manager of the Year' at the SRA Awards 2009. 

 

Singtel shop, first opened in January this year, has set itself apart from conventional telco stores by creating the ultimate next-generation multimedia shopping experience for customers, with a strong focus on innovation. The store concept was designed based on deep insight gathered from extensive consumer research in Singapore to offer customers an enjoyable and customer-friendly shopping experience.

 

Mr Shane Da Silva, Vice President, Consumer Sales, Singtel, said: "We are pleased that our retail efforts are recognised by well respected independent bodies on the global stage and at the highest levels in Singapore. Singtel shop is a pinnacle in the retail scene and these awards  are momentous wins for Singtel as it  affirms our commitment towards transforming into a next-generation multimedia solutions company. Our innovative solutions and breakthrough retail concept have set new benchmarks, allowing us to bring our customers' shopping experience to a higher level and better meet their changing lifestyle needs."

Accolades for outstanding retail customer service

 

Singtel emerged tops at the Excellent Service Award 2009 (EXSA) on 21 October 2009, a national award that recognises individuals who have delivered outstanding service.    With a total of 150 winners (32 Silver, 37 Gold and 81 Star) this year, Singtel was ranked 3rd overall in the Retail Industry.

 

Singtel also participated in the Retail Industry Mystery Shopping Programme (RIMS) and achieved the Premium Service Go the Extra Mile (GEM) 2009 status (telecommunication sector). SRA, with the support of the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) introduced RIMS to set benchmarks for service delivery allowed participating companies to see how they compare against their competitors.

 

Mr Da Silva added: "Going the extra mile and putting our customers first have always been our service credo. We thank our customers for their continued support and look forward to delivering an unparalleled customer experience and innovative service offerings." 

 

Singtel shop's groundbreaking features

 

The new retail concept combines both new innovation and modern aesthetics and features a series of firsts. Live product demonstration and intuitive touch-screens touch-screen windows allow shoppers to browse and even buy music 24x7 at their convenience - a first in Singapore. Large touch-screen tables within the store allow customers to listen to the latest songs before they buy and download music to their phones. 

 

Other breakthrough innovations include large ceiling projection panels which set the mood and create a conducive ambience for shoppers through regular thematic images, music changes and service promotions. The auto queue ticket and choice number systems allow customers to do self-validation and minimise long waiting times.

 

Customers can also enjoy the mio TV offerings in a simulated living room for a realistic home viewing experience. To enhance the customer experience, unique cafe-style seating is used and offers more cosy and personalised service for the customer.

 

There are now three Singtel shops located at Jurong Point, Tampines Mall and most recently Bugis Junction which opened in October 2009.