By Deborah Jackson, Editor, National Liquor News, reporting from the Australian Retail Drinks Conference in Canberra

The winner of the Australian Liquor Stores Association (ALSA) Young Liquor Retailer of the Year award is Sharni Fenton, the Retail Manager, Vantage 9/11 Bottleshops Hobart, Tasmania.

In announcing the winner at the ALSA Gala Dinner last night, President Giuseppe Minissale said that this award is one that is “close to his heart”.

“Both Grand Finalists made an exceptional impression on the judging panel and with their energetic and innovative approach to liquor retailing they demonstrated that they are worthy finalists in this ALSA award program.”

He went on to detail both of the finalists’ submissions. Shanais MarcusHogue – Store Manager from Dan Murphy’s Erina in NSW had come up with a plan to combat shrinkage, and that plan will be rolled out to Dan Murphy’s stores over the next three months. While Fenton’s plan focused on loyalty programs.

Fenton said: “Congratulations to all of the finalists that got through to the top five, it’s great to see so many young people putting up their hand for the industry, so congratulations to Shanais.

“I’d like to thank ALSA and REST for putting this award together, it’s really great to be able to acknowledge the work that young people do and to help develop us and harness our learning. I feel extremely honoured to be standing here and I really hope I do you proud over the next 12 months and am looking forward to what it has to offer. I feel very privileged in that respect.

“Lastly, I need to thank my employer, Vantage. I’ve been there for the last 10 years and through that time I’ve worked under three exceptional leaders who have all harnessed a great culture and environment where it is really safe and encouraged to grow and be yourself.”

Deborah Jackson

Deb joined Intermedia in 2015 as Editor of National Liquor News and Deputy Editor of The Shout. Since then, she has also worked as the Editor of Beer & Brewer and the New Zealand title, World of Wine....

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