Independent Retailer Earns Lifetime Achievement Award
FREDERICTON – Paul Simmonds, founder and CEO of Robert Simmonds Clothing, will be awarded the Independent Retailer Lifetime Achievement Award at the end of May. After being in the retail business for 45 years, he is honoured to be given this award.
25 years ago, Robert Simmonds Clothing had officially opened their doors in the center of downtown Fredericton. Starting with a location of only 1500 square feet, the business has flourished over time.
Today, Robert Simmonds Clothing has expanded to a corner location of over 5000 square feet in downtown Fredericton. They sell clothing for both men and women, with some home products available as well.
“We’re a single independent retailer in downtown Fredericton, and our mission is [to give] an excellent experience every time with engaged employees,” Simmonds tells Huddle. “We focus on our client experience, so having one location enables us to do that quite well.”
After being in the business for 45 years, operating his own business for 25 of those years, Simmonds will be honoured at the RCC STORE 2023 Conference in Toronto on May 30th.
Simmonds says that it was a complete surprise to be awarded with the Independent Retailer Lifetime Achievement Award. When he got a call in mid-April, he wasn’t even aware that he had been nominated.
“I knew nothing about it, and I got a call in mid-April that this was happening and [the award] was going to be presented at the end of [May],” he says.
The Independent Retailer Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to a senior executive who has a minimum of 25 consecutive years of retail service. Individuals who are awarded this are typically seen to have made an everlasting impact on the industry through their innovations and commitment to customers and employees.
“It’s an honour to be bestowed, I’m very humble to be the recipient of that award,” says Simmonds.
When asked what this award means for him and his business, Simmonds said that he is just honoured to be recognized for the hard work and dedication that he has put into the business and retail community over the years.
“[The award is] a testament to doing something consistently, every day, that we’re privileged to do within our retail community,” he says.
Being happily committed to the independent retail community, Simmonds is beyond thankful to be receiving this award.
“Independent retail is a wonderful career, it’s very exciting, and I’m certainly grateful to work and have a career in independent retail,” Simmonds tells Huddle.
Ryley Roach is a Huddle student intern, based in Fredericton. Send her your feedback and story ideas: [email protected]