Canadian Retailer - Store 2017 - 44

STORE 2017 AWARDS OF DISTINCTION

2017
M AY 3 0 - 3 1 , T O R O N T O

INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF THE YEAR

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
Winnipeg jeweller named 2017 Independent
Retailer of the Year
BY SEAN C. TARRY

WHEN Diamond Gallery was founded and opened

"As a family business we pour our
heart and soul into what we do every
day," explains Lisa Malbranck, Diamond Gallery co-owner and jewellery designer. "To be recognized for
our efforts as an independent retailer
is very touching. We feel we are just
doing our very best at maximizing
our client's experience at our store
and ensuring they feel great about
their purchase-this award truly is
an honour."

for business on Corydon Avenue, once known
as Winnipeg's little Italy, nobody could have expected the success that they'd soon enjoy, much
less being honoured 25 years later by Retail Council of Canada for their retailing excellence. But, the
latter is exactly what happened on May 30 when
the family was presented with the 2017 Independent Retailer of the Year Award as part RCC's Excellence in Retailing Awards gala.
The annual award recognizes the outstanding
contributions of a local independent retailer to his
or her community, as well as the vision and innovation with which they "AS A FAMILY BUSINESS WE POUR OUR
HEART AND SOUL INTO WHAT WE DO
approach their business.
Diamond Gallery is dedicated to a EVERY DAY. TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR OUR
world-class customer experience in EFFORTS AS AN INDEPENDENT RETAILER
crafting heirloom jewellery, concen- IS VERY TOUCHING."
- LISA MALBRANCK
trating on handcrafting Canadian
Diamond Gallery
custom designs in 95 per cent reDiane J. Brisebois, RCC President
cycled gold and platinum fused with ethicallyand
CEO, showed just as much pride
sourced gemstones. In 2009, they erected what
at
the
fact that the association took
is believed to be North America's first sustainable
the
opportunity
to recognize the
geo-thermal professional building to house a jeweljewellers
efforts.
lery store. The innovative architectural space is
"Diamond Gallery is an excepwell balanced by the family-owned down-to-earth
tional
retailer who is as well-known
approach and old-fashioned customer service.
for
its
remarkable craftsmanship of
The business is owned and run by the Malcustom
heirloom jewellery as it is
branck family-co-founders Allan and Anita and
for
its
outstanding
commitment to
their daughter Lisa. The family are enthusiastic
its
customers
and
community,"
she
members of the community they serve, working
says.
"We
are
so
proud
to
honour
with local charities and non-for-profit organizations, supporting Winnipeg's strong culture and Diamond Gallery with this award as
arts scene, as well as being strong advocates for they embody the true spirit of entrelocal independent shops and boutiques. And, the preneurship and community serpride with which they accepted the award speaks vice and are a genuine ambassador
of the retail industry."
to who they are as a business and as people.

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