Katanning H Hardware wins prize for best retail store under 2500sqm at the Timber and Hardware Industry Awards

A Katanning hardware store has been lauded for its excellence, innovation and customer service at the SA, NT and WA Timber and Hardware Industry Awards. Katanning H Hardware, in Claude Street, picked up the prize for the best retail store under 2500sqm at a ceremony at the National Wine Centre of Australia in Adelaide last month. Co-owner Ashleigh Severin said he had started the business with his wife Tania 18 years ago and had seen it grow to the point they were able to invest $1 million to expand the premises. He was delighted with the award and paid tribute to his staff who have customer experience ingrained in their DNA. The shop has thrived despite competition from Australia-wide superstores and online rivals, and it stocks a broad range of products to cater for trade and building clients as well as do-it-yourself punters, campers and agricultural customers. Mr Severin said he believed the store was nominated for the award by both buyers’ and suppliers’ groups and judging was carried out verbally over the telephone, by a written submission and a panel discussion. The award citation says the Severins’ small, dedicated team was recognised for offering exceptional service and high-quality products from the newly updated store. “I think they liked that we are very active on the promotional front, we are busy on social media, and we run activity nights,” he said. He detailed one ‘learn to’ ladies’ night which featured power tools and Gilbert Wines. ‘We did the wine tasting first so unfortunately we couldn’t use the power tools after that,” he said. “We have learned our lesson from that one.” Other evenings included painting demonstrations, how to change a tyre and a talk from a flower-shop owner all integrated with helpful DIY tips. Mr Severin said the award was very much a team effort. “This is definitely not my win, this is an award for our whole team at Katanning H Hardware who everyday go above and beyond,” he said. “It can also be attributed to the support we get from our amazing suppliers and customers from across the Great Southern.” The couple did not go to Adelaide for the ceremony. “It’s a long way to go if you’re not sure you’re going to win,” Mr Severin said.