What a night! Winners announced at The People in Retail Awards 2026
The People in Retail Awards 2026 brought the retail community together at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, on 24 September for a fantastic evening celebrating the people who make a difference across the UK retail industry.
Now in their fourth year, the awards recognise the individuals and teams making a difference across the industry, from inspiring leaders and rising stars to customer heroes and community champions.
Subscribe to TRBThis year, 28 eminent judges from across the retail industry brought their expertise to the judging process, reflecting the breadth of experience and talent across the sector.
The 2026 awards also introduced new and updated categories to reflect the changing retail landscape and the many ways people contribute to the success of their organisations. Categories spanned customer experience, people development, sustainability and community impact, alongside recognition for individual and team achievements.
Nigel Oddy, chief executive of American Golf and chair of judges, said: “Retail is constantly evolving and the People in Retail Awards should evolve with it. This year’s refreshed categories gave us the opportunity to recognise an even broader range of talent, leadership and innovation, and it was rewarding to celebrate the people who are shaping the future of our industry.”
The awards are built around the belief that people are the foundation of success in retail. By celebrating those making a difference and highlighting organisations committed to a people-first culture, the People in Retail Awards aim to inspire the sector to put people, recognition and positive employee experiences at the heart of business success.
Karen Howard, managing director of The People in Retail Awards, said: “The People in Retail Awards are all about coming together to celebrate the remarkable people who make such a difference across our industry.
“This year’s awards gave us the opportunity to recognise an incredible range of individuals and teams, each with their own story, achievements and contribution. It was great to see the retail community come together to give credit to the people at the heart of retail and celebrate everything they bring to the sector.”
People in Retail Awards 2026 – Winners & Runners Up
Customer Experience Team of the Year
Winner: SeaSalt Cornwall
Runner Up: Liberty
JEDI Award (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)
Winner: AllSaints Team
People Development Team of the Year
Winner: FatFace
Runner Up: Furniture Village
Retail Hero of the Year
Winner: Sharon Waller – Lincolnshire Co-op
Runner Up: Liz Jones – FatFace
Head Office Team of the Year
Winner: The Perfume Shop
Runner Up: Currys
Rising Talent / Future Leader of the Year
Winner: Zara Doyle – Morrisons
Runner Up: Harry Cripps – Charles Tyrwhitt
Store Manager of the Year – Enterprise and Retail
Winner: Amy McGovern – Lincolnshire Co-op
Runner Up: Zoie O’Brien – Charles Tyrwhitt
Store Manager of the Year – Specialist, Independent and Smaller Estate Retail
Winner: Matthew Randle – Dreamland Bedding Company
Runner Up: Sophie Charlton – Trotters
Store Icon
Winner: Karen Wilson – The Perfume Shop
Runner Up: Jennifer Moorehead – Holland & Barrett
Inspirational Executive Leader of the Year
Winner: Georgina Heyworth – L’Oréal
Sustainability Champion
Winner: COOK
Community Impact Award
Winner: COOK
Runner Up: Eden Shopping Centre High Wycombe – Silver Series
Retail Partner of the Year
Winner: Logile
Runner Up: Top to Toe
Retail Employer of the Year
Winner: COOK
Runner Up: The Perfume Shop
Outstanding Achievement Award: Team
Winner: Trotters
Outstanding Achievement Award: Individual
Winner: Erin Dunn-Morgan, Compass Group UK&I
TRB Special Impact Award: Team
Winner: The White Company
TRB Special Impact Award: Individual
Winner: Sarah Wheatley, ProCook
TRB Special Impact Award: Outstanding Growth & Culture
Winner: Wingstop
TRB Special Impact Award: Community & Colleague Impact
Winner: Cardfactory
Jo Salter MBE, host of the People in Retail Awards and the first female fighter jet pilot, said: “Having spent my career challenging boundaries, embracing change and championing the power of people, it was a real privilege to host an evening that commemorated those doing exactly that within retail.
“The People in Retail Awards shone a light on inspirational individuals who are breaking new ground, leading with courage and authenticity whilst creating positive change for the people and organisations around them. These are the people who are helping to shape the future of retail, and it was fantastic to celebrate their achievements.”
We look forward to bringing the retail community together again in 2027 to celebrate even more of the brilliant people who make retail such an exciting and dynamic industry.
