A DORSET store picked up four gongs in a national retail awards.

Harts of Stur added the quartet of trophies to the trophy cabinet after the winners of the Housewares Awards 2023 were revealed.

Organised in association with Housewares magazine, the awards celebrate the achievements of the innovative manufacturers and retailers, as well as passionate professionals at the heart of all the companies.

And the family-owned department store, based in Sturminster Newton, impressed the judges with both its online presence and in-store offerings – including the garden department and Harts Coffee Loft.

Retaining the award for Best Online Independent of the Year, which they won in 2022, Harts were commended for their comprehensive understanding of e-commerce and efforts executing an online offering for brands.

Other features of the website praised by judges included fast page loading, easy navigation, mobile optimisation and a modern and clean design.

The Independent Retailer of the Year title was a new award for Harts, awarded for their vast knowledge across the retail spectrum including store design, product range, customer service, marketing and promotion and innovation.

Elsewhere, a recent store redevelopment and the range of displays led to Harts being named joint winners of the Best Retail Display of the Year award, alongside Woodbridge Kitchen Company.

Completing the quartet of awards was Sam Belcher, winner of the Best Salesperson of the Year award.

Sam Belcher picked up the Salesperson of the Year award

The judges were impressed with Sam’s adaptability in his skills and his ability to up skill his product knowledge and sales skills to ensure customers leave the store with the most suitable products for their needs.

Harts are also finalists in the eCommerce awards, which will be revealed in September.

After the awards win David Conduit, purchasing director, said: “As you can imagine, we are over the moon to receive these prestigious awards.

“Harts is and always has been a team effort, and these awards recognise the contribution all colleagues make to ensure we stay ahead of the game.

“As we never like to stand still, we’re already working on the enhancements, both online and in-store, that will hopefully see us as award challengers again next year.”