Sydney retailer Top3 by Design flies the Aussie flag in World Retail Awards

Sydney-based retailer Top3 by Design is hoping to take out the concept innovation category in the 2012 World Retail Awards, after being named the only Australian finalist in the awards.

Terri Winter and her husband Bernd opened the first Top3 by Design store in 2001. There are now three stores, all in Sydney, in addition to an online shopping platform.

The business only carries up to three products per category, but the collection is “ever evolving”.

“We research design awards, explore innovative use of material, visit the largest international tradeshows… and explore local design markets,” the business says on its website.

In addition to classic items by well-known designers, Top3 by Design also makes a point of featuring “fresh and innovative new products from the world’s up and coming young designers”.

In 2010, Top3 by Design cleaned up at the Global Innovator Awards in Chicago, after being named Best in Country, Best Globally and Best Merchandising.

Now the business will represent Australia in the concept innovation category at the 2012 World Retail Awards. Top3 by Design was the only Australian retailer to be named as a finalist.

Other finalists include big names like Tesco, Macy’s, ASOS, 7-Eleven, McDonald’s and Nike. The winners will be announced in September at the World Retail Congress in London.

Winter told Retailbiz.com.au customer satisfaction has always been a key focus for the business.

“Top3 by Design has always worked from the customer backwards,” Winter said.

“Specifically set as a business focus in a meeting in 2007, every decision has consciously been made with the customer in mind.”

“We’ve had a clear vision and goal, and it’s been about differentiating ourselves and being completely customer-centric.”

Winter said since that meeting, Top3 by Design has continue to “point our business in this direction in concrete detail” by offering a “selection of the coolest stuff on the planet”.

“But for us, it’s always been about making these products accessible, so we implemented a cross-channel strategy that’s as focused online as it is in our stores,” she said.

“When it comes to customer service, all lines are blurred between online, catalogue, phone order and in-store.”

“We want our customers to have access to these incredible products in a manner that completely suits them. They can click and collect, and they can use kiosks and iPads in-store to order.”

“And no matter where they are, we are completely transparent about exactly how much stock is available and where it is.”