And the retail and supplier of the year award goes to....

National franchisor BSR Group recently announced the winner of its retail and supplier of the year awards, which was held in Santa Monica, Los Angeles.

Betta Home Living Wilsonton, Queensland, took out the Large Branded Retailer of the Year award for stores larger than 650sqm.

Betta Home Living Kingaroy, Queensland, was presented with the Small Branded Retailer of the Year award for stores smaller than 650sqm. 

The Supplier of the Year award was won by Electrolux.

"These winners represent the best of the best within Betta and Betta Home Living brands and we are proud of the hard work and dedication they have shown over the last year," says BSR Group Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Cunningham.

"Our Retailers of the Year have continued to performs strongly across the areas of sales, service and compliance, whilst our Supplier of the Year has consistently delivered excellent service and support to the BSR Group and our retail brands.

"Betta Home Living is undergoing some exciting changes and enjoying very encouraging growth, and these award winners have had a major role in that success."

It was announced last month that sales had increased by 2-3 per cent for financial year ending 31 March 2012. BSR Group also found that some of the franchises performed well above that level.

"Betta has been performing well despite the ongoing economic slowdown in the retail sector and profitability remains at similar levels to previous years," says Cunningham.

Also according to Cunningham, the group had remained debt free and would be declaring another dividend for shareholders.

Mr Cunningham also announced Betta was now a proud supporter of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, which is due to open in July within Melbourne’s Austin Hospital.

"The centre will not only provide the very best in medical care, research and treatment for people with cancer but will offer a full range of complementary therapies including meditation, music therapy, yoga and counselling to support people throughout their care."

"Betta Home Living is very proud to be associated with this world class facility and will support this partnership with a comprehensive marketing program throughout the financial year."

The annual BSR National Conference 2012 is being held 5-9 June 2012 and is being attended by over 250 BSR suppliers and retailers.