Staff at Leon's Medicine Hat were thrilled to learn they had earned the coveted title of Leon's Franchise Store of the Year 2022.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Leon’s furniture store in Medicine Hat was named the top Leon’s location across Canada in 2022.
Open since 1996, the family-owned and operated store has earned several awards throughout the past 27 years, but has never been bestowed the title of Leon’s Franchise Store of the Year until now.
“It’s a huge honour,” store general manager Trina Towner told the News. “There’s 35 franchise stores across Canada (but only one is chosen) to be Store of the Year. So, it’s very much coveted.
“There’s a lot of criteria; it goes by your sales, your financials, your co-operation, your customer service, your store’s appearance and how well you carry the Leon’s brand … So, it’s not just the top sales team in the country; it’s the best overall.”
Passionate about the Leon’s brand and driven by a desire to provide customers an excellent overall experience, Towner says she has been trying to win the title for a number of years. Nevertheless, she was shocked when her store was announced the winner two weeks ago at the Leon’s annual franchise meeting.
“I was very excited,” said Towner. “And so were (store staff) when I told them. I had to keep it a secret for a few days until I got home (from the franchise meeting) because I wanted to surprise them.”
Towner says several of her 13 team members shed happy tears upon learning of the achievement – something she says would not have been possible without each team member’s unique contributions.
“It’s a testament that our team is pretty amazing,” said Towner. “We strive really hard for great customer service and we’re trying to do our best always … We work so well as a team and we really care about what we do … I couldn’t ask for a better staff.”
Towner is planning a celebration party for her team, which, despite the recent win, is continuing to strive for excellence.
“(The title) comes with some money, so the money is going to be spent on a little celebration,” she said. “And then we also get a plaque to display in the store.”
Towner welcomes Hatters to come visit the store, located on Trans-Canada Way, and experience for themselves the level of care her and her team provide customers.
