‘Friendly faces’ win Shop Local award

“The friendliest shop anywhere in the whole of Geelong” deserves an award, according to loyal customer John Macdonald.
The Highton resident nominated Belmont House and Hardware for a monthly Shop Local Geelong Customer Service Award, with his glowing endorsement helping earn the January prize.
Mr Macdonald praised owners Tony and Anna Jiminez.
“Their knowledge of their stock and its applications is second to none,” he wrote.
“The variety is likewise second to none and if something is not normally in stock they will go to no end of trouble to help you locate a store that might stock the particular item.”
Mr Jiminez was rapt to win the monthly award, part of the Independent’s Shop Local Geelong campaign.
“It’s excellent, I’m in shock,” he said. “It will really help us this year.”
With the support of City of Greater Geelong, the shop local campaign encourages shoppers to spend locally rather than online or out of town.
The monthly award recognises traders for excellence in customer service while encouraging other businesses to raise standards across the municipality.
Winners receive a $1000 advertising package covering the Independent and its EasyFinder business directory.
Businesses wanting free Shop Local Geelong branding material can phone the Independent on 4249 6700.
Shoppers can send customer service award nominations no longer than 50 words to:
Shop Local Geelong Customer Service Award, PO Box 407, Geelong, 3220; or email editorial@geelongindependent.com.au.