In an act reminiscent of dot.com bubble lunacy, the Online Retail Industry Awards has put consumer electronics and white goods retailer Clive Peeters up for nomination for three key industry gongs despite the fact that company was placed into receivership two weeks ago leaving many customers angry and out of pocket.
The company has been nominated for the "Best Multichannel Retailer", "Best New Online Retailer" and the "Best Customer Experience" categories.
Program director Grant Arnott gave this response.
"The ORIA judging panel discussed at length the Clive Peeters nomination, and it was decided that with the company still trading, and the online business continuing to maintain business as usual, the site was eligible for the Online Retail Industry Awards,"
"As an example of online retail excellence, the judges deem Clive Peeters has earned its place in the finalists' line-up."
While it is true that the company continues to run as administrators attempt to squeeze more value for creditors, hundreds of consumers are still awaiting receipt of goods they have already paid for.
Talking to the Australian newspaper last month insolvency expert with law firm Clayton Utz, Gareth Jenkins warned consumers about dealing with the company.
''Just talking as a consumer, I'm not sure I would be paying money unless there was an iron-clad guarantee that I'd get my product or I'd get my deposit if I didn't get my product,'' he said.
The fact that online validation company PayPal is one of the key sponsors of the awards makes Clive Peeter's nomination all the more bizarre.
The Online Retail Industry Awards take place at the Sydney Convention Centre on Thursday July 8.
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