RAMAE History

The Retailers Association of Massachusetts Awards of Excellence were created in 1998 by retail expert Rick Segel, retail trainer, distinguished author and 2010 inductee into RAM's Retail Hall of Fame.  Developed as a way to acknowledge retail excellence in the Commonwealth, the RAMAES have grown during the past fifteen years, capturing the attention of the media and retail community alike.  Throughout their history, the RAMAES have honored both large and small, new and veteran retailers, local gems and national players from all corners of the state.  

15 years of RAMAE Winners


Involvement & Eligibility 

Want to get involved?  Nominate an outstanding business!  All Massachusetts retailers and restaurants are eligible, and winners are chosen due to their creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment.  Financial strength is not a factor in the judging process.  RAM membership is not necessary to nominate or to be nominated.  We encourage entries from all segments of the retail community and all parts of the state.  Know a deserving store?  Have a favorite restaurant, book shop, food store, or boutique?  Show your appreciation and nominate these stores today!

How it all works 

You may submit a nomination at any time.  We will be mailing nomination information to members during the summer. The judging process usually begins in September when the RAMAES judges meet to discuss the nominees.  The panel typically includes RAM staff, retailers, Board members, and the master of ceremonies, Rick Segel.  After an initial overview, judges will call the nominees to set up a store visit, or they may choose to visit the store anonymously.  During these visits the judges will be looking for attentive customer service, attention to detail, the level of creativity evident in the store layout, visual interest, and other factors.  Once all the site visits are completed, the panel will meet to determine the winners.  Rick will then conduct phone interviews and/or site visits with all the winners prior to the awards program. 

Winners are invited to attend the RAMAES Luncheon, set for November 21, 2013, as guests of RAM.  At the ceremony they are honored with a slide show and presentation by Rick Segel and receive an engraved award and framed plaque.  Additionally, in recent years the  Boston Herald has profiled the event and announced the winners in the day's paper -- even highlighting some of the winners.  

  
2013 Categories  

Retailer of the Year
Awarded to the business that has it all and does it all. “Retailer of the Year” worthy businesses are those that continuously go above and beyond to provide their customers with an exceptional product, unparalleled service, and that demonstrate originality in all they do.

Restaurant of the Year
Awarded to the restaurant that continuously provides their patrons with exceptional service, menu selection, and a pleasurable overall experience.  These restaurants successfully combine cuisine, service, and atmosphere.

Community Service
Awarded to the business that successfully involves employees and/or customers in innovative community involvement efforts.  These businesses are fixtures of their communities not only because of the services they provide, but also because of their commitment to giving back. 

Best Shopping District
Awarded to shopping district or downtown area that provides a unique mix of stores, restaurants, products, and experience for both residents and tourists who frequent the area.

Creative Concepts in Retailing
Awarded to the business that meets and serves a niche market, by offering and providing a unique service, product, concept or idea to their customers.

Rookie of the Year
Awarded to the business that is between one and four years-old and demonstrates outstanding achievement and creativity in it's development.  This category encompasses both retail and restaurants.

Visual Merchandizing
Awarded to the business that creates a unique and eye-catching displays of store merchandise.  Shopping in these stores offers a distinctive, aesthetic experience.

Advertising and Promotion
Awarded to the business who demonstrates unparalled creativity in print, radio, and/or television ads of their business.

Click here to submit your nominees today!