Warrnambool's Pontings Mitre 10 takes out Victorian and Tasmanian award

Independent Hardware Group has crowned Pontings Mitre 10 the number one medium-format store in Victoria and Tasmania, ahead of six other highly commended stores it nominated.

The award recognises the store's retail excellence, engagement with community and innovation. The store opened in 1923 and traded under Home Timber and Hardware from 1993, becoming a Mitre 10 in 2019.

Co-owner John Ponting said he was "surprised" and "humbled" and could not recall winning another award in 15 years.

"I think we have raised the standard of the business," he said.

"It is all about customer service and building the customer's trust, and we have a good diversity of staff, young to old and male to female and customers really have some sort of connection with the store."

Operations manager Kat Ross said the award was a "fantastic achievement" for the 55 staff.

"We would also like to thank our loyal customers for their continued support, especially throughout such unprecedented times of 2020."

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.