THE Avenue Shopping Centre in Newton Mearns has become the first shopping centre in Scotland to gain WorldHost Customer Service Destination Status for delivering exceptional levels of customer service.
The coveted designation follows confirmation that more than 25 per cent of retailers at The Avenue have gained recognition as 50% of their staff have completed one of the WorldHost rigorous training programmes.
As part of its destination recognised status, the Avenue will be able to display a special plaque commending it on its outstanding commitment to customer service excellence.
Gaining destination recognised status follows on the heels of The Avenue gaining recognition as a business of customer service excellence by the National Skills Academy for Retail.
The Avenue has been working with the National Skills Academy for Retail to raise customer service skills in employees to ensure they can understand and respond to all customer needs.
The shopping centre has now trained over 50 per cent of its front-line staff in WorldHost Customer Service training, an internationally proven programme which has been tailored specifically to the UK’s retail sector.
Says a spokesperson: “Becoming a WorldHost recognised business for customer service excellence, means that The Avenue has committed to providing consistently professional service to customers, no matter how much they spend, and ensuring good service is embedded throughout the mall, from management to the shop floor.
“The Avenue will hold the title for two years, during which time it will be monitored through impromptu mystery shopping visits by the National Skills Academy for Retail to ensure the high level of service expected, is being maintained.”
Michelle McCabe, Centre Manager at The Avenue, added: “Customer service has always been – and always will be – our top priority and we are absolutely delighted to be named as the first shopping centre in Scotland to be honoured with destination recognised status which expressly acknowledges our outstanding commitment to customer service excellence.”
Jane Rexworthy, director of Skills Solutions and head of National Skills Academy for Retail, said: “Congratulations to The Avenue. By investing in its staff’s skills and ensuring consistency throughout the mall, they can now be confident that all customers are in receipt of an enjoyable and stress-free shopping experience.
“Good customer service is hugely important to building a sustainable and successful business, especially in these tough times. The positive effects it can have on a business’s bottom line means it should never be an optional extra for retailers, but an essential investment. WorldHost helps retailers achieve consistently outstanding service in their businesses.”
The Avenue Shopping Centre, managed by commercial property consultancy BTWShiells, offers shoppers a warm and welcoming shopping experience conveniently located on the outskirts of Glasgow city centre.
For further information about The Avenue log onto www.avenueshopping.co.uk.
ENDS
For further information please contact Susan Christie on tel 0141 297 1699
Issued on behalf of The Avenue Shopping Centre in Newton Mearns by Liquorice Media www.liquorice-media.com
Date: 27th September 2013
Notes to editors
National Skills Academy for Retail
The National Skills Academy for Retail is a wholly owned subsidiary of People 1st and delivers skills solutions for retailers across the UK through a network of retail skills shops.
These retail skills shops:
- Provide access to world-class skills and business support for retailers whatever their size, wherever they are located
- Lead the drive for professional, rewarding careers and skills development for everyone who works in retail
- Create a consistent national approach for training and skills in the UK’s largest private sector employer
- Attract talented people into the sector
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Contact: Susan Christie
Phone: 01412971699
Email: susan@liquorice-media.com
Website: http://www.liquorice-media.com
