Aldi has been named Retailer of the Year at the 2016 Eftpos Australian Retail Awards.

In recognition of its growth, influence, competition and market leading policies, Aldi was awarded Retailer of the Year at the 2016 Eftpos Australian Retail Awards (ARA).

Here’s the list of winners and runners-up:

Eftpos Retailer of the Year
Winner: Aldi. Runner-up: Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics.

ARA Independent Retailer of the Year
Winner: Wilson Retail (Stormriders and Saltwater Wine). Runner-up: Adreno.

Shop for Shops Store Fitout of the Year one-to-five Stores
Winner: The Sydney String Centre. Runner-up: Eliza Blue Fashions.

Shop for Shops Store Fitout of the year six+ Stores
Winner: Specsavers Eastland. Runner-up: Jeanswest Eastland.

Temando Multi-Channel Retailer of the Year
Winner. Mon Purse. Runner-up: The Good Guys.

Frontline Recruitment Retail Employer of the Year
Winner: Peregrine Corporation (On The Run, Smoke Box). Runner-up: Aldi.

Rest Industry Super Retail Employee of the Year
Winner: Jacob Purtell, Harris Scarfe. Runner-up: David Lai, Fantastic Furniture.

FCB Retail HR Rising Star of the Year
Winner: Paige Willemse, Sussan Group.

Pronto Software Retail Innovator of the Year
Winner: Shoes of Prey. Runner-up: Just for Pets.

ARA Retail Institute Retail Graduate of the Year
Winner: Lauren Dodman.

“Australian retail today is not only extraordinarily competitive, but the industry is evolving at a rapid pace, with more international brands and the increasing use of technology and new channels,” says Eftpos managing director Bruce Mansfield in recognition of Aldi’s success.

“This year’s Awards field was particularly tough, with not just the highest number of entries in the Awards’ 50 year history, but also the highest quality,” says ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman.

“Retail is Australia’s largest private sector employer, and the contribution of these businesses to our economy and future cannot be understated. These winners represent the diversity of Australian retailing and the depth of talent we have in this important industry.”

The ARAs have been held annually since the 1970s, awarding Australian business for success, innovation and growth.