Retailers delivering standout supply chain programmes, sustainability strategies and people initiatives have been named in the latest RG Retail Excellence Awards 2026 shortlists…

The finalists have been revealed for the HR Excellence Award, Supply Chain Initiative of the Year and Sustainable Retailer of the Year.

The three categories recognise the businesses and teams working behind the scenes to build more resilient operations, support their people and reduce retail’s environmental impact.

The winners will be announced at the RG Retail Excellence Awards on 14 October 2026 at The Underglobe, beneath Shakespeare’s Globe on London’s Southbank.

HR Excellence Award shortlist

Four retailers have been shortlisted for the HR Excellence Award, which celebrates businesses delivering outstanding people strategies and creating positive working environments.

The finalists are:

• DB Shoes Limited
• Morrisons
• Krispy Kreme
• Timpson

The category recognises the important role HR teams play in attracting, developing and retaining talent across the retail industry.

Retail workforces often span stores, distribution centres, offices, manufacturing sites and customer service operations, requiring people teams to support employees with a wide variety of roles and needs.

The shortlisted businesses represent a mix of national retailers and specialist operators, highlighting the different approaches being taken to employee engagement, career development and workplace culture.

Strong people strategies have become increasingly important as retailers compete for talent, respond to changing employee expectations and ensure their teams have the skills needed for a rapidly evolving industry.

Supply Chain Initiative of the Year shortlist

Eight projects have been named as finalists for Supply Chain Initiative of the Year.

The award recognises programmes improving the efficiency, resilience and sustainability of retail supply chains, from global sourcing and logistics to store operations and technology-led planning.

The shortlisted initiatives are:

• Global Supply Chain Programme — Costa Coffee
• Four Retail Outbases — Currys
• One Best Way — Currys
• Paul Smith partnership with Ingrid — Paul Smith
• Footasylum partnership with invent.ai — Footasylum
• TPP Retail & Harding+ — Harding Retail
• Temu — Temu
• The Krill to Protect the Penguins — Holland & Barrett

The shortlist demonstrates the breadth of work taking place across retail supply chains.

Currys has secured two places in the category for its Four Retail Outbases and One Best Way initiatives, while Costa Coffee is recognised for its global supply chain programme.

Paul Smith’s partnership with Ingrid and Footasylum’s work with invent.ai demonstrate the growing role of external technology specialists in helping retailers improve delivery, planning and operational decision-making.

Harding Retail, Temu and Holland & Barrett complete the shortlist, with projects spanning retail technology, international operations and environmental responsibility.

Retailers continue to face pressure to deliver products quickly and reliably while controlling costs, improving availability and reducing waste.

The shortlisted initiatives show how businesses are responding through a combination of technology, collaboration and redesigned operating models.

Sustainable Retailer of the Year shortlist

Six businesses are in the running for Sustainable Retailer of the Year, celebrating retailers taking meaningful action to improve their environmental and social impact.

The finalists are:

• Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery
• Wolf & Badger
• Holland & Barrett
• B&Q
• Our Co-op
• Seasalt Cornwall

The shortlist brings together businesses operating across jewellery, fashion, health and wellness, home improvement and grocery retail.

Sustainability now influences decisions throughout the retail value chain, from sourcing and product design to packaging, transport, store operations and the treatment of products at the end of their useful lives.

Customers, employees and investors are also placing greater emphasis on whether businesses can demonstrate credible progress rather than relying on broad environmental commitments.

The Sustainable Retailer of the Year category recognises retailers working to embed responsible practices into their operations and long-term strategies.

This year’s finalists reflect the range of opportunities available to retailers, whether through more responsible sourcing, longer-lasting products, waste reduction or changes to the way goods are manufactured and transported.

Holland & Barrett receives a second nomination among Thursday’s shortlists, having also been recognised in the Supply Chain Initiative of the Year category.

Recognising retail’s operational leaders

The latest finalists highlight the crucial contribution made by retail’s HR, supply chain and sustainability teams.

Although much of their work takes place away from the shop floor, these functions have a direct impact on product availability, customer service, employee experience and long-term business performance.

Retailers must balance speed, value and convenience with growing expectations around resilience, transparency and environmental responsibility.

The businesses and initiatives shortlisted for this year’s awards demonstrate how the industry is responding to those challenges while continuing to invest in its people and operations.

The finalists will join retailers, brands, suppliers and industry leaders at the new and improved RG Retail Excellence Awards 2026.

Guests at The Underglobe will enjoy a drinks reception, a three-course sit-down dinner, live entertainment and opportunities to network with some of the brightest minds in retail.

The winners of the HR Excellence Award, Supply Chain Initiative of the Year and Sustainable Retailer of the Year will be revealed on 14 October 2026.

Find out more about the RG Retail Excellence Awards and secure your place at the ceremony here.

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