Le Lievre’s named Britain’s Best Cookshop

Thursday 03 December 2009

Le Lievre’s has been named Britain’s Best Cookshop in the Retailer of the Year Awards.

The company, which has stores in both Guernsey and Jersey, was recognised for its “high level of display and presentation linked to excellent customer service” as well as its impressive sales performance in what have been difficult trading conditions for retailers.

Le Lievre’s joint managing director Richard Le Lievre and the company’s Jersey general manager Colin Le Marquand picked up the award at a lavish ceremony held at Manchester’s Deansgate Hilton last month.

Britain’s Best Retailer Awards are the industry awards for the housewares, DIY and garden sectors. They are run by the leading website HousewaresLive.net, in conjunction with its sister publications Housewares Magazine, Hardware & Garden Review and DIY Week. Recent winners have included industry giants such as Lakeland, Robert Dyas and B&Q.

Mr Le Lievre said the award was tribute to the fantastic staff they employed in both Guernsey and Jersey and was testament to their hard work, professionalism and quality of service.

“One of our strengths is that we have been able to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and all of the staff have responded incredibly well to the different challenges we have faced over the last few years,” he said.

He also attributed their success to the ability to retain the personal care and attentiveness one would expect from a traditional small shop while reaping the benefits that had resulted from their investment in a modern computer ordering system and fully adaptable selling space.

“The business has been transformed in the last ten to 15 years but we have never forgotten that our success ultimately depends not only on the quality of our staff but also of the products we sell.”

As such, Mr Le Lievre explained that they were incredibly fortunate to have benefited from the knowledge and foresight of Mr Le Marquand.

“He is an incredibly loyal employee and an extremely influential buyer. Time and time again, he has demonstrated both great flair and an instinct for putting the right products on our shelves, at the right time and at the right price.”