The hero categories at Retail Week Awards 2026 have officially opened for entries, inviting retailers across the UK to nominate the individuals and teams who make a real difference in their businesses and communities.
This year’s Awards feature four key ‘hero’ categories designed to spotlight excellence at every level of retail.
The Community Hero/Heroes award celebrates retailers making a positive local impact through simple acts of kindness and grassroots initiatives that genuinely improve people’s lives. The Distribution/Delivery Hero/Heroes category recognises exceptional delivery and distribution colleagues who have gone above and beyond for customers and communities over the past 12 months.
The Store Hero/Heroes award honours outstanding store managers and teams who demonstrate excellent retail execution, inspirational leadership, and deliver measurable results for customers and their businesses. Finally, the Head Office Hero/Heroes category celebrates central function teams – from marketing to operations – who have delivered tangible value to their organisations.
Retail Week events content director Jade O’Donoghue said: “Even in tough times, great retail stories are happening every day. The Retail Week Awards 2026 are your chance to spotlight those individuals and teams who make a difference.
“From Store Heroes to Community Champions, there’s a category for every kind of brilliance. This isn’t about showing off and you don’t need record profits to enter, just people worth celebrating. Entries are free but for these individuals, just being shortlisted can be game-changing. It’s time to give your teams the applause they deserve.”
Companies must nominate their personnel, though individual nominees must provide consent before being put forward.
The awards are open to businesses of all sizes, with judges looking for evidence of initiatives and achievements from the last 12 months that demonstrate passion for retail and the ability to deliver brand values.
Entry details and full criteria are available here.
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