PROUD is how Cooma Mitre 10 manager, Chris Fitzgerald, is feeling following the store being named the best in NSW.

Cooma Mitre 10 has been awarded the 2024 Independent Hardware Group NSW store of the year (medium format), recognising the Cooma business' commitment to quality customer service and in-store products, and role in the community.

The store was declared the best in the state at last month's awards night, with Nathan Smith from Cooma Mitre 10 on hand to accept the honour.

Mr Fitzgerald praised his team's hard work, and thanked the community for supporting the business.

"A lot of hard work goes into the store. Our team is dedicated and focussed on doing our best for our customers. This all contributed to winning the award," Mr Fitzgerald said.

"You don't set out to win awards but it is nice recognition of our efforts.

"Since moving to the Sapphire standards (industry best practice) we have been working hard to maintain them. Everyone here plays their part and takes pride in the business."

Upon finding out the store had won the prestigious award, Mr Fitzgerald said he had goosebumps.

"It's a very highly contested award. I was so proud when I heard we won," Mr Fitzgerald said.

"The team and I strive to offer the community the best store we can."

Cooma Mitre 10 progressed to the NSW awards after winning its Far South Coast/ Snowy Mountains category for the 12th time in 15 years. The NSW awards measure a store's work health and safety setup, customer service, merchandise and work place behaviour.

Mystery shoppers head into each store in the Independent Hardware Group chain to monitor and observe staff. Cooma Mitre 10 received a score of 99/100 across the rating categories.

Mr Fitzgerald said it has been a busy month for the business with the team raising money throughout October for the McGrath Foundation. The store's raffle attracted hundreds of entrants with Darren Taylor winning first prize, a $2500 Why Leave Town gift card. Second prize went to Letitia Newman who won $1400 worth of homewares from Mitre 10's Liv 4 Home and Kitchen, third spot was won by Wendy Bruce, who received a $500 Mitre 10 gift card.