Celebrating Local: How Elite Garages’ Morrisons Daily Made the Retail Awards Shortlist

If you’ve visited our Shaftesbury Morrisons Daily store, you’re already aware of the buzz. We’re excited to share that this store has been shortlisted for “Most Improved Store over 3,000 sq ft” at the Retail Industry Awards 2023! Being shortlisted in the Retail Industry Awards is an achievement we’re immensely proud of, especially considering the record-breaking number of entries they received this year. The ceremony is set for Tuesday, 19th September in London.

The Spotlight on Our Shaftesbury Morrisons Daily Store

Since opening our doors in January 2022, with a ribbon cutting event attended by more than 200 residents, and local product tasting to celebrate, the Morrisons Daily Shaftesbury has been a testament to our dedication. Here’s a sneak peek into what makes this store stand out:

  • Our Journey: Elite Garages has been a family-owned entity for over six decades. While we’ve ventured into petrol stations, vehicle workshops, and tyre wholesale, the Morrisons Daily Shaftesbury is our first foray into a retail store without a fuel offering.
  • Location, Location, Location: Located adjacent to Shaftesbury’s main Bell Street car park, our 4,300 sq ft store is the town’s ‘anchor store’.
  • Variety Galore: From Savers to The Best, our shelves boast a vast array of Morrisons’ own-label brands. Whether you’re rushing for a meal deal or conducting your weekly shop, we’ve got you covered.
  • Local at Heart: Prior to our grand launch, we delved into the preferences of our local community. The outcome? A delightful blend of popular Morrisons products with cherished Shaftesbury and Dorset treats, such as Gritchie Beer, Lilley’s Cider, Dorset Blue Vinny cheese, and so much more.
  • Designed with Love: The Elite Garages’ Shaftesbury Morrisons Daily store boasts a spacious, modern design peppered with wooden crates for fresh produce and distinctive displays for our local offerings. We wanted to create a shopping experience that felt unique, intimate, and truly special.

Shaftesbury Morrisons Daily - Local Beers, Wines and Food

We’re not just about products. Our journey has included engaging local events, be it our product tasting sessions, Shaftesbury in Bloom window displays, the Halloween pumpkin carving contest, or the special ‘personal shopper’ hampers introduced during Christmas 2022. This allowed customers to choose a variety of items and have them gift wrapped in a hamper basket with ribbon for just £5.

Elite Garages Shaftesbury Morrisons Easter Competition and HampersThe Shaftesbury Morrisons Daily store’s fantastic manager is Sharon. Tuning into ‘The Alfred Daily’ radio station ensures you don’t miss out on her updates about new products, in-store promotions, and exciting competitions.

Here is a video of the opening ceremony and the reactions from the locals:

The Elite and Shaftesbury Morrisons Daily Partnership

Elite Garages’ partnership with Morrisons Daily marks our proactive step into the future. Recognising the imminent wave of electric vehicles, our tie-up with Morrisons Daily facilitates our diversification from traditional petrol stations. While our MOT centres are already primed for the electric vehicle revolution, this new retail avenue allows us to tap into an expanding market.

But that doesn’t mean we’re letting go of our roots. Our existing forecourts remain, with plans of enhancing them in the pipeline.

Our Shaftesbury Morrisons Daily partnership allows flexibility with product range. Morrisons Daily’s expansive range complements our vision, and their support and expertise have been invaluable. Their flexibility in allowing us dedicated space for local products ensures we stay rooted to our core values.

In Conclusion

Being shortlisted and recognised in the Retail Industry Awards is not just a testament to our dedication, but also to the loyalty and support of our customers. Mark your calendars for the 19th of September, and let’s celebrate this milestone together!