Australia Post Online Retail Industry Awards finalists for 2022 announced

The finalists for the 2022 Australia Post Online Retail Industry Awards (ORIAS) have just been announced, recognising the brightest in the retail industry. Over the last two years, retailers have had to adapt and transform more than ever as consumers migrated to shopping online, and this year’s finalists will showcase some of the innovative, transformative strategies.

What makes 2022 ORIAS such a special event?

Last year’s event was held virtually, but, with real excitement about being back in person for the awards, tickets for the event, which takes place in the Grand Ballroom at the ICC on July 21st, have sold out. The 2021 ORIAS finalists and winners will also be celebrated this year.

The ORIAS reward retailers for their innovation, hard work and customer experiences as voted by an expert judging panel. The panel includes Head Judge, Peter Knock (National Online Retailers Association) and supplementary judges Rose Yip (Australia Post), Emma Sharley (Sharley Consulting), Matt Newell (The General Store), Louisa Simpson (Practical eCommerce Consulting), Mark Baarste (markbaarste.com) and Matt Smith (Online Retailer).

These awards are the most prestigious in the retail industry with previous winners including Showpo, Winning Appliances, Booktopia, TinyMe and Dan Murphy’s and this year, there have been more entrants competing for the ultimate titles in retail. With more categories than before, the awards celebrate excellence in ecommerce and recognise retailers.

Categories this year include: Best Community Initiative, Best Pureplay Retailer, Best Small Independent Retailer, Best Multichannel Retailer, Best Online Retail Marketing, Best Technology Champion, Customer Service Excellence, Best Small Independent Retailer, Best Social Commerce Initiative, International Conqueror, Hall of Fame, Best Physical Initiative, Best B2B Online Retailer, Online Retailer of the Year and the Industry Recognition Award.

And, the coveted People’s Choice Award which is the only ORIAS category voted by customers, recognising online shoppers’ favourite Australian small and large online retailers.

What were the executive’s thoughts on the event?

Matt Smith, Event Director for Online Retailer and ORIAS judge commented, “Considering the last two years we have had and some of the incredible digital transformations we have seen across the retail landscape, this year’s finalists and winners are really going to showcase the agility, creativity and drive for results that so many people have in the retail industry.”

“It is very exciting to be back in person to celebrate all the incredible work that has been done over the last year in the retail space and celebrate not only this year’s winners and finalists, but also 2021’s winners w ho missed out on a physical event last year.”

Who are the finalists of the 2022 ORIAS?

Now in its 13th year, the annual event celebrates retail leaders and the great work they have achieved over the last year. Nominations have closed and the finalists are as follows:

Sponsors of the ORIAS include Afterpay, ABBE, Latitude Pay, Emarsys, dotdigital, Shopback, Insider, Commercetools, Shopify Plus, Klarna, Cashrewards, Honey by Paypal and eSuite.