Top shops achieve recognition (From Witney Gazette)

Top shops achieve recognition

Staff at two Oxfordshire shops are celebrating after being listed among the Top 100 local retailers in the country.

Achievers: Manager Malcolm Jones (left) and owner Martyn Wilson

The Londis store in Yarnton and Rowes Newsmarket in Wantage have both made the prestigious list, known as the Independent Achievers Academy.

The pair will compete to win their categories in the competition and find out if they will take the overall winner's title at a ceremony in London later this month.

The Londis store, which is part of the Gulf filling station on the A44 Woodstock Road, is owned by Martyn Wilson, pictured right with manager Malcolm Jones. Mr Jones said: "We believe in giving customers what they want. The shelves are full and we believe in providing a personal service. We're delighted to have come this far."

The shop is a finalist in the Effective Ranging category, which recognises the availability of a broad range of lines that are well placed on the shelves.

Despite only having been open five years, it is no stranger to success, having won a Constellation Wine award.

The shelves are full and we believe in providing a personal service."

Londis shop manager Malcolm Jones

Rowes Newsmarket is in the top three of the Availability category, which recognises depth of range and the availability of top-selling items.

Nick Shanagher, managing director of contest organiser Newtradecorrect Publishing, said: "The owners and staff in these businesses are not only putting in long hours of service, they're also using best practice to ensure their shops are always ready to provide customers with what they want."

The presentations to the winners will take place in London on Thursday, November 30.