Store recognised with top award win

Matt and Megan Dimocks' Stratford store has been recognised for the fantastic service provided.

For more than 60 years, the name Dimock has been synonymous with good service in Taranaki, and Megan and Matthew Dimock are continuing the family tradition.

The couple, who purchased the Stratford Dimocks 100% store in 2007, were named winners of the "Retail Store of the Year" award in the prestigious Wares Awards at the end of last year.

Receiving the trophy in the category for appliance, consumer electronics and speciality stores with a showroom area of 400m2 or less, was a "fantastic surprise", says owner operator Megan.

"We didn't actually know we were finalists until quite close to the awards ceremony," she says, adding they didn't go to the awards night as they weren't expecting to win.

"While we are incredibly proud of the customer service and experience we provide, we knew we were up against a lot of excellent stores around the country from much bigger towns."

Megan says the category was judged from a customer's viewpoint, looking at the store, the staff and the stock range.

"I think that is one of our advantages, our fantastic staff. We have a great team here who really do all put the effort in to go the extra mile for our customers."

Both Megan and Matt work in the store themselves, which Megan says also helps.

"Customers know we aren't just sitting behind a desk, but we are on the shop floor talking to customers ourselves. In Matt's case he is even in customers' roofs at times, installing air conditioning units. We don't just stand behind the products we sell, we install them personally when needed!"

Matt himself isn't a newcomer to the Wares Awards. In 2013 he was one of three finalists in the Young Retailer of the Year category, and Megan says both she and Matt pride themselves on always providing the best service possible.

"We appreciate our customers make a choice to shop with us rather than somewhere else so we make sure that loyalty is rewarded by providing excellent customer service at all times."