Medicine Hat Leon's sales manager Jennifer Nelson was named Canada’s National Retail Sales Professional of 2019 and won the Retail Sales Professional Award for the western region at the Canadian Home Furnishings Gala in Toronto on May 24, 2019.
The sales manager of the Hat’s Leon’s Furniture franchise has received national recognition.
Jenn Nelson was named Canada’s National Retail Sales Professional of 2019, in addition to winning the Retail Sales Professional Award for the western region, at the Canadian Home Furnishings Gala in Toronto on May 24.
Nelson told the News she’s “very honoured” to receive the awards, for which she was nominated by a furniture sales rep.
She received a call for Zucora Home, which sponsors the awards, to let her know she won.
The awards are given to “passionate sales professionals across Canada who have a tremendous impact on the home furnishing industry,” as per a news release from Zucora.
Nelson, who has 17 years sale experience, says there are a number of ways her store stands out.
“We do offer a lot of extra stuff, like free delivery,” she said. “We have in-home service for furniture repair, where we don’t source out. We have very knowledgeable sales staff … Plus, we have a big warehouse out in Dunmore, so we have pretty much most of our items in stock.”
The store is also unique for the relationships cultivated among staff and customers, Nelson says.
“I don’t treat the customers like customers. I treat them like family or friends,” she said. “Sometimes I go to customers’ houses to see what looks good in their house if they’re unsure about it. I do decorating, too.”
The other regional award-winning businesses are Hampton House Furniture in New Minas, N.S., Smitty’s Fine Furniture in Hanover, Ont., and Coombs Junction Furniture in Coombs, B.C.
Note: This story and headline has been updated to clarify that Nelson is sales manager at the locally-owned and operated store.
