It’s the little moments that make a big difference
How to ace the awards entry (and how to write about them)
When we talk about recognising people in retail, the spotlight often falls on big projects or business-wide transformations. And while those are brilliant and well worth celebrating, we’ve learned something important at the People in Retail Awards: it’s often the small, everyday moments that leave the biggest mark.
The manager who quietly champions their team.
The colleague who goes the extra mile for a customer.
The team that turns around a tough situation with care and creativity.
These are the stories we want to hear—and the ones our judges love.
So, if you’re thinking about submitting an entry (or encouraging someone else to), here are a few simple, helpful tips to get you started. Spoiler alert: it’s easier than you think.
1. Start early; it gives your story space to grow
Great entries don’t come together overnight. The best ones often involve a little input from different people—team leaders, HR, maybe even someone in marketing. Give yourself enough time to:
- Gather examples and stories
- Ask others to share their thoughts
- Pull together those little nuggets that bring your entry to life
Sometimes the best quotes or stats come from the most unexpected places, so don’t rush it.
2. Bring in the right voices
No one knows the story like the people who were part of it. Involve those who lived it, from the shop floor to the head office.
Think:
- A store manager who led a tricky change
- A team member with a brilliant customer story
- An HR lead who’s got the data to back it all up
It makes for a richer, more well-rounded entry, and it helps the judges really feel the impact.
3. Show the difference it made
We love a good story. But what makes it shine? A bit of evidence. That might be:
- A quote from a customer or colleague
- A jump in engagement or sales
- A photo, a thank-you card, or even a social media comment
It doesn’t have to be complicated, just real. Something that shows the human side of the impact.
4. Check the criteria
Our categories evolve each year. Make sure you’ve had a peek at the updated guidelines so your story matches what the judges are looking for. Each award has different criteria, and aligning your entry will give you the best shot.
5. Give yourself (a little) structure
You don’t need to build a Gantt chart, but a simple timeline helps. Aim for three stages:
- Gather your info
- Pull it together into a story
- Ask someone to review and give feedback
A fresh pair of eyes can spot things you’ve missed (or remind you of a moment worth mentioning).
6. Lead with heart
Yes, data and outcomes are brilliant, but what really makes an entry sparkle is purpose. What drove this initiative? Who did it help? How did it make people feel?
The judges aren’t just reading, they’re feeling. Let them connect with your story.
Good luck
The truth is, you don’t need a huge campaign or major project to be recognised. Some of our most powerful entries have come from simple, human stories told well.
So whether it’s a manager who supported someone through a hard time, or a team that turned a corner, if it mattered to someone, it matters to us.
If you’ve got questions, or want a bit of guidance, we’re here. Just drop us a message.
We can’t wait to read your story.
