Napier store mega-retailer's top shop

Locally owned Mitre 10 Mega Napier team is "head-and-shoulders" above the rest of the chain's 81 stores. Photo / Supplied

Napier's Mitre 10 Mega has been recognised as New Zealand's best, scooping the organisation's Store of the Year Award at the national retailer's annual awards dinner.

The locally owned and operated family business was chosen after a panel of judges assessed it on customer and supplier feedback, store presentation, staff performance and financial performance.

The awards dinner was held at the Langham Hotel in Auckland.

"It's a fantastic feeling to receive this recognition," co-owner Stephen Ricketts said.

"Our team work incredibly hard so I'm just stoked to see them receive formal recognition for what they do, day-in and day-out." Mitre 10 chief executive Neil Cowie said Mitre 10 Mega Napier beat tough competition.

"The judges had their work cut out for them choosing the top Mitre 10 Mega store in the country.

"All our stores seek to be the best and they're always on the lookout for ways to be better, so the standard this year was exceptional," he said.

"In the end, the Napier store stood head-and-shoulders above the rest this year because of their attention to detail and real commitment to customer service."

Mitre 10, the country's largest home improvement and garden retailer, is a co-operative with 81 locally owned stores that employ about 5000 people.