Equinox Awards

Equinox has won awards for virtually every aspect of it's business. From customer service to window displays, from business practices to the new shop re-design. Listed below are some of the awards Equinox has received.

EQUINOX: WINNER, 2008 'Customer Service Independent Retailer Award'

Despite the current economic slowdown it is not all doom and gloom for Belfast. Equinox, contemporary lifetsyle store, are delighted to announce that they won the Belfast Awards 2008 Customer Service Independent Retailer Award in recognition of their provision of a comfortable, friendly, personal and professional service to their customers. This award was sponsored by Belfast City Council in recognition of those committed to investing in customer excellence. The winners were announced at a prestigious Belfast Gala Awards ceremony at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast on the 13th November 2008 hosted by BBC's journalist and presenter of the politics show Northern Ireland, Jim Fitzpatrick and BBC’s Newsline presenter Sarah Travers.

In securing the award Equinox was subject to mystery shopper visits during October 2008 who assessed the following criteria - first impressions, acknowledgement and greeting, customer care, general interaction with customer, meeting / exceeding customer expectations, general retail standards and store services.

Seen in picture: Equinox proprietor Kay Gilbert receiving the award as presented by Councillor William Humphrey of Belfast City Council

EQUINOX: WINNER, 2008 'Customer Service Independent Retailer Award'

EQUINOX: WINNER, 2008 'Best Independent Retailer in Belfast Award'

Equinox received the Best Independent Retailer Award in the Belfast heat of the Friendly Business Awards 2008 as organised by the Belfast Junior Chamber of Commerce. The province-wide Friendly Business Awards recognises those retailers in Northern Ireland offering a customer focused and quality service. During judging Equinox were assessed on the following- courtesy of staff, staff appearance, shop premises / appearance, facilities offered, product knowledge / range, disability awareness & telephone technique.

Since opening its doors in 1985 Equinox have continually sought to bring the very best of contemporary European design to Belfast and Northern Ireland. Equinox has continued to improve and expand their services with the introduction of their glass fronted café serving morning coffee and home-made light mediterranean influenced lunches in 1992, doubling in size in 2004 and further developing their website www.equinoxshop.com to provide online shopping.

Kay Gilbert said: ‘’We are delighted that the high level of customer service delivered by our staff has been acknowledged and rewarded. As an independent retailer we feel it is increasingly vital to listen to our customers and do our best to meet and exceed their expectations. These two awards have been the result of a concerted effort over the last year to ensure that all our customers get the VIP treatment."

As seen in picture: Kay Gilbert of Equinox receiving the Friendly Business Award presented by Alex Barnett, President of Belfast Junior Chamber (JCI Belfast)

EQUINOX: WINNER, 2006 Rosenthal 'International Lifestyle Store Award '

Equinox was presented the Rosenthal 'International Lifestyle Store Award for 2006' at a gala dinner during the 2007 Frankfurt AmbienteTrade Fair.
This is the first time that a UK company has won this prestigeous prize.
Seen in picture, Left to Right: Sarah Wiener, one of Germany's most famous chefs and endorser of Rosenthal's dinner-ware; Kay Gilbert, Equinox director; Ottmar C Kusel, Rosenthal C.E.O; Jan Gilbert, Equinox; Jurgen Bruckner of Rosenthal.

EQUINOX: WINNER, 2006 Rosenthal 'International Lifestyle Store Award '

EQUINOX: WINNER, 2006 'Best Festive Window Competition'

EQUINOX: WINNER 2006 'Best Festive Window Competition', Independent Retailer.

Awarded by Belfast City Centre Managment & Belfast Chamber of Trade & Commerce.

EQUINOX: WINNER, 2005 'Best Festive Window Competition'

EQUINOX: WINNER 2005 'Best Festive Window Competition', Independent Retailer.
Awarded by Belfast City Centre Managment & Belfast Chamber of Trade & Commerce.

Junior Chamber International Northern Ireland , Friendly Business Awards.

2005, Junior Chamber International Northern Ireland - friendly Business Awards.
Equinox has been judged the 2005 winner of Belfast area section for Independant Retailer.
The award was judged according to: courtesy of staff, appearance of staff, premises / first impressions, facilities offered, product knowledge, disability awareness & telephone technique.

2002 Smirnoff Awards - Most Stylish Lifestyle Store

Equinox was voted the 'Most Stylish Lifestyle Store' in the 2002 Smirnoff Lifestyle Awards. Owner, Kay Gilbert was presented with a piece of John Rocha crystal at the awards ceremony in the trendy Northern Whig bar in Belfast.

2002 Smirnoff Awards - Most Stylish Lifestyle Store

Belfast Business Awards 2004 Finalist

Belfast Business Awards 2004 Finalist .....

Belfast Business Awards

Ritzenhoff's 10th Anniversary Window Competition 4th Prize

Ritzenhoff, the leading German design company awarded Equinox 4th prize in its global 10th Anniversary Window Competition. Equinox was presented with a limited edition serigraphy by the famous painter Paul Giovanopolous for the specially designed window display.

August 2001 - LivingEtc Shop of the Month

LivingEtc, Britain's best-selling modern homes magazine, declared Equinox 'Shop of the Month' in the August 2001 editon. The following extract is taken from the article:

" Why we love it ... The first modernist home accessories and giftware emporium to hit Northern Ireland. Filled with gorgeous things."

August 2001 - LivingEtc Shop of the Month

Winner 1997 Friendly Business Award

Equinox was presented with the Killybrackey Vase as overall winners of the 1997 Friendly Business Competition.