Yellowknife (Apr 12/06) - A Yellowknife woman has received a Canada-wide award for her work in the cosmetics retail trade.

Glenda Raketti, cosmetics manager at Shoppers Drug Mart, recently received the Cosmetic Outstanding Service Award at a reception in Toronto.

Glenda Raketti, cosmetics manager at Shoppers Drug Mart was presented with the Cosmetic Outstanding Service Award at a ceremony held in Toronto. - David Ryan/NNSL photo

"It was nice to go and be recognized for something I've been doing for a long time," said Raketti.

She was chosen for the honour from among a group of nominees who work in stores with cosmetics departments from across the country, including Sears, the Bay, Pharmasave and Shoppers Drug Mart.

Raketti was nominated in the category of customer service in a drug store. The customer service award was based on Raketti's service to three mystery shoppers who were in Yellowknife last fall.

Daryl Dolynny, the pharmacy owner, nominated Raketti and said she is one of the best cosmetologist's in Canada.

"She's one of those special people," he said. "When you see her in action, you know why she was nominated."

Raketti, who has worked with Shoppers Drug Mart for 14 years, said that she was glad to get the award, but credits her flexible customers.

The cosmetics department at Shoppers Drug Mart has seen double-digit revenue increases in each of the last two years, said Raketti.

She deals with more than 300 regular clients and admits getting products into Yellowknife can be challenging.

"We do what we can, but transporting items can be difficult at certain times of the year," she said.

The clientele at the cosmetics department ranges from teenagers to the elderly, she said.

Recently, the number of male customers visiting her department has increased.

"We'll find products for men and help them get the proper products without making them feel too girlie," she said. Raketti said that the cosmetics department staff is eager to help find the perfect item. "We just need to asses a person's needs and we can help find what they are looking for."