JMK Retail Business Award returns to celebrate Ipswich’s powerhouse retail sector
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 04 Jul 2025
Ipswich's booming retail industry will once again take centre stage in 2025 with the return of the JMK Retail Business Award, one of the newest and most exciting additions to the prestigious Ipswich Region Business Excellence Awards, proudly sponsored for the second year by JMK Retail.
This year's awards will culminate in a black-tie gala dinner on Saturday 11 October at the Events Centre at the Ipswich Showgrounds, showcasing the city's most dynamic and community-focused businesses across a variety of categories.
With a 2025 theme of 'Energy and Excellence', the awards will spotlight organisations and individuals who combine visionary drive with grounded delivery, leaders shaping the region with innovation, resilience and purpose.
"Ipswich is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia and its retail sector is leading the charge," JMK Retail, general manager, Vicki Leavy said.
"Retail contributes nearly 10 percent of all jobs in the region. The JMK Retail Business Award honours the retailers that are building real community connection and driving the local economy forward."
JMK Retail, the developer and owner behind landmark centres like Yamanto Central and Winston Glades, has helped transform the retail landscape of Ipswich. Its centres have become key community hubs, drawing leading brands, increasing shopper foot traffic and creating new local jobs.
"While many parts of the country are seeing a decline in traditional retail, Ipswich is thriving. Local customers are getting off their screens and stepping into stores to enjoy genuine service and a hands-on shopping experience," Leavy said.
Last year, many JMK Retail centre retailers featured prominently across the awards, highlighting the quality and community commitment of local store owners. This year, as JMK Retail's shopping centres continue to flourish, even more retail businesses are expected to be recognised.
"Our retailers continue to deliver exceptional experiences, from curated product offerings to meaningful customer service. They're not just stores, they're part of people's everyday lives," Leavy added.
Nominations for the JMK Retail Business Award officially opened on 31 March and will close on 18 July 2025. Submissions can be made via www.ipswichchamber.org.au.
Shoppers are encouraged to nominate their favourite retailers and show their appreciation for the hardworking local businesses that serve the community every day.
"Whether it's a family-run fashion boutique, a standout café or a household essential retailer, your nomination sends a powerful message that you value what they bring to the Ipswich region," Leavy said.
"Our retailers are the heart of our community, creating jobs, supporting charities and delivering the personal service online shopping can't replicate. It's time to celebrate them."
Leavy emphased that JMK Retail is honoured to be part of the 2025 Ipswich Region Business Excellence Awards and looks forward to continuing to support the region's retailers and provide consumers with quality offerings."
JMK Retail centres
JMK Retail is one of Australia's oldest and most successful shopping centre developers, owners and managers with sites located across Queensland. JMK Retail own and manage a variety of retail properties ranging from food orientated precincts, retail strip, neighbourhood and sub- regional centres. Their centres are in key locations, anchored by long-term tenancies with nationally identifiable retailers that incorporate a wide and varied range of retailers who are primarily focused on traditional retailing, day to day household needs, dining, finance and services, medical, health, fitness and beauty.