They beat 400 stores across Australia to be named IGA’s National Liquor Retailer of the Year at the annual conference held in Thailand recently.

The award was presented to owner James Lovegrove and liquor department manager Charmaine Dickson by NSW operations manager Lee Monnox last week.

“This store has set the benchmark for our stores nationwide,” Mr Monnox said.

“They have gone from village winners, to state level and now national.

“Part of the judging included secret shoppers and culminated in a surprise visit from the chief executive officer of Metcash.

“Judging was not only based on customer service, store fitout and cleanliness but included behind the scenes in how they manage their budget.

“It is the overall experience for the shopper which is important as well as their involvement in the community.

“Lovey’s covered all of these.”

Mr Monnox said a number of Victorian retailers recently visited the store to have a look at the layout, particularly in the liquor department.

“The whole store is set out really well and other owners who have visited here are very impressed.

“It really is a standout for a town the size of Dungog.

“They are lifting the standard all the time and are thoroughly deserving of the win.”

Co-owner James Lovegrove said the award was recognition for the money and time spent investing in the business.

“It’s a great honour to win,” he said.

“The recognition is acknowledgement of the staff and their efforts.”

As part of the prize James and co-owners Mark Caves and Peter Trappel have won a trip to the national conference to be held in Japan next May.

The national award follows on from the regional awards in March when the store was named overall Supa IGA of the Year for the Hunter area.

The Dungog store won six out of the nine categories including grocery, general merchandise, liquor and produce departments as well as customer service.

They competed against stores in Singleton, Kurri Kurri, Cessnock, Rutherford, New Lambton and Quirindi.