BRINGING out inner beauty and giving people a confident start to their day has seen dedicated retailers nominated for an annual award.

Sally, part of the Broad Street Mall, is in the running to win the Reading Retail Awards’ ‘Service with a Smile’ category after always putting customers first.

Covering manager Lauren Baldock was fortunate enough to join the company when they relocated to the mall three years ago.

Although she would be delighted to be part of an award-winning team, Lauren explained how she gets a lot of pride in making sure customers leave with a smile on their face.

She said: “Getting good feedback is the whole reason why I do this job. You have to completely vary your approach depending on who you are serving.

“We get professionals coming in here to buy products, but we also get people who need some help and encouragement. You have to ask the right things and listening to their feedback is hugely important.

“I just have a passion for hair and beauty. You learn a lot by just being here in this environment. Without sounding vain, I think it changes the way you feel about yourself. Having a little bit of make-up on changes the way you feel about yourself and how you are around other people.”

Stocking a wide range of products for both men and women, Sally provides stock for salons and hairdressers around the town centre.

The Reading branch regularly wins internal awards for customer service and received a nomination for the Reading Retail Awards after going above and beyond for one very grateful customer.

Rachel Jones, who made the nomination, added: “The store manager went to great lengths to discuss different hair products with. She also talked me through different curlers for my daughter.

“Nothing was too much trouble for her and she was very knowledgeable. She is a real asset to the company and I will definitely shop there again.”

The awards kicked off earlier this month and shortlisted finalists will be invited to a black-tie dinner in September at the Hilton Hotel.