Australia Post Online Retail Industry Awards (ORIAS) finalists for 2022 announced

The finalists for the 2022 Australia Post Online Retail Industry Awards (ORIAS) have just been announced, recognising the best and the brightest in the retail industry.

Over the last two years, retailers have had to adapt and transform more than ever as millions of consumers migrated to shopping online, and this year’s finalists will showcase some of the innovative, transformative strategies and their retailers from across Australia.

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 already sold out. The 2021 ORIAS finalists and winners will also be celebrated at this year’s event.

The ORIAS recognise and reward retailers for their innovation, hard work and outstanding customer experiences as voted by an expert judging panel. The judging panel includes Head Judge, Peter Knock (National Online Retailers Association) and supplementary judgets 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’sand this year, there have been more entrants than ever before competing for the ultimate titles in retail.

With more categories than ever before, the awards will celebrate excellence in Australian ecommerce  and recognise retail visionaries. Categories 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.

Matt Smith, Event Director for Online Retailer and ORIAS judge said, “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.”

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

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