The ACE awards, launched in 2006, celebrate and reward the dedication, innovation and inspiration that define great examples of customer care within the shopping centre and retail destination industry.

2007 ACE Award Winners

Top ACE
WestQuay, Southampton

Up to 20,000 sq m
Junction One
Every attempt in the centre had been made to provide high levels of service wherever possible. The attention to detail was very strong and it was clean, well managed and clearly signposted. The staff were superb and were obviously committed to providing good customer service which was highlighted by 'test' telephone questions being handled very well, a cleaner giving clear directions to one of the outlets and the customer service assistant managing to sign me up for the girls club!

20,000 - 40,000 sq m
CastleCourt, Belfast
Castle Court won their category because of a number of outstanding members of the team and a consistently high standard of presentation and customer facilities. The service given by the exemplary members of staff went way beyond the normal levels you would expect. A cleaner was cheerfully and conscientiously polishing a metal fascia on her hands and knees and was delightful when engaged in conversation. The lady on the customer service desk was not only cheerful and well presented, but she gave additional information about facilities in the rest of the city which were clearly communicated and accurate. Overall, the team were consistently pleasant, helpful and knowledgeable making this a great shopping experience.

40,000 – 80,000 sq m
WestQuay, Southampton
A highly positive experience where all staff were exceptionally pleasant and demonstrated additional effort that went well beyond basic customer support. The staff were not just visible but also knowledgeable and made the retail trip much more pleasurable. It was a delight to be treated as a customer and not as an interruption. All facilities appeared to be in good shape and were moreover, cared for. The centre was very clean with bins regularly emptied.

Over 80,000 sq m
Meadowhall
On our judging visit we found the whole ambience welcoming and friendly. Every member of staff we spoke to from the customer service desk employees to security officers and cleaning staff were well informed, courteous and eager to help. All the facilities at the centre were clean and well presented. We were impressed by the way our telephone query was dealt with and were called back within half hour as promised. All literature was readily available and the signage clear. Where refurbishment works caused a lift to be out of use, we loved the posters used to clearly direct customers to alternative lifts or access routes. A very pleasurable shopping experience!