John Lewis, Aldi and Samsung are among the major retail names shortlisted in the Which? Awards 2026, as the consumer champion unveiled its contenders for Retailer of the Year and Best Value Brand of the Year.
The annual awards, run by Which?, celebrate brands judged to be delivering the strongest products and services for consumers, with the shortlist determined through independent testing, surveys, reliability analysis, provider data and investigations.
In the hotly watched Retailer of the Year category, the shortlist includes Euronics, iOutlet, John Lewis, Joie Baby, Lakeland, Richer Sounds and Samsung.
Which? said the award recognises retailers that consistently perform strongly across customer service, product range, quality and value for money.
John Lewis was praised for its breadth across categories and its ability to combine “superb value for money and first-class customer service”, while Lakeland was recognised for its strong in-store and online shopping experience and standout returns policy.
Samsung also made the cut after what Which? described as a “stellar year”, with the brand earning top marks across home appliances and tech, including new and refurbished products.
Specialist retailers also featured strongly on the shortlist, with Euronics highlighted for the knowledge and helpfulness of its independent store network, and Richer Sounds singled out for its value credentials and expert customer service.
Meanwhile, in the Best Value Brand of the Year category, Aldi, Hotpoint, Lidl and Talkmobile were named on the shortlist.
Which? said the award celebrates brands that are redefining value by proving lower prices do not have to come at the expense of quality, durability or standards.
Aldi was recognised for delivering the highest number of Which? Great Value products across the broadest range of categories during the judging period, spanning everything from grocery staples to household essentials.
Lidl also impressed with a high volume of Great Value products, including some that were also strong enough to secure Best Buy status.
In electricals, Hotpoint was praised for consistently delivering value across major appliance categories, while Talkmobile was shortlisted for its competitively priced mobile contracts and consumer-friendly approach, including removing all mid-contract price terms.
The winners will be announced on 14 May, with each category decided by an expert judging panel. Victorious brands will receive a trophy and be entitled to use a Which? Awards winner endorsement logo in marketing for a year.
The shortlist is likely to prove a welcome boost for the retailers and brands named, particularly at a time when value, trust and service continue to weigh heavily on consumer spending decisions.
