At the recent Independent Hardware Group 2018 Awards of Excellence in Scone, Dipper’s Home Timber and Hardware won the Northern Region Store of the Year Over 1,000m2 and the Northern Region Garden Centre of the Year in a victory that took even owner, Rebecca Diprose, by surprise.

“It’s an absolute thrill even to be nominated as a finalist, so to win our region was a real buzz.”

There were eight finalists in the Store of the Year over 1,000m2, with Gubbins Home Timber and Hardware, Moss Vale, declared the NSW State winner.

Over 32 stores were vying for Garden Centre of the Year in the region, and Rebecca said the win, while unexpected, was rewarding.

“I think these awards are reflective of our great staff and the hard work everyone has put in over the past 12 months.”

“We’ve embarked on substantial physical changes that customers will notice – visual merchandising that is clean and fresh, de-cluttering so visitors can see through the store, and really efficient labelling – the right product and the right price.”

“I find it extremely frustrating when I go shopping and can’t find a price for an item!’ she confessed.

Rebecca’s vision for Dipper’s, the ‘2014 National Home Timber and Hardware Store of the Year’

 is to encourage a retail outlet ‘people can take their coffee and go for a wander in a genuine customer friendly shopping environment.”

“Our interior decorating, shelving, merchandising is all about increasing our store standards, and we believe there’s still room for improvement, which we’ll be focusing on over the next 12 months.”

With 2018 marred by a crippling drought, she said the victory was even sweeter.

“It really is a testament to our customers, Moree has endured such unfavourable conditions this year, yet local businesses such as Dipper’s are still supported and strong.”

“It’s great for Moree to enjoy this recognition, we have a robust economy despite the hard year, fantastic community spirit in the face of hardship, and our local businesses are the envy of the State.”

She also thanked the community, and staff, for its continued support as the business moves from Dipper’s, without Dipper and embracing the philosophy of change.

Tragically passing just over 12 months ago, Rebecca said husband Anthony ‘Dipper’ Diprose would have been ‘chuffed’ with the award.

“I have always been about the detail, and Dipper was always about the big picture, and even though he’s no longer here, his vision is being fulfilled.”

“Although,’ Rebecca smiles “no doubt he’d be laughing and rolling his eyes at all our ‘pretty’ changes.”