The latest finalists have been announced for the RG Retail Excellence Awards 2026, celebrating exceptional store openings and leading names across homeware, own-brand retail and beauty…
Retailers and brands spanning fashion, grocery, home improvement, health and beauty have secured places on four new shortlists for this year’s RG Retail Excellence Awards.
The finalists have been revealed for New Store of the Year, Homeware Retailer of the Year, Own Brand of the Year and Beauty Retailer of the Year.
From major flagship openings and innovative shop-in-shop concepts to exclusive product ranges and fast-growing beauty businesses, the shortlists showcase the ideas, experiences and products helping to move retail forward.
The winners will be announced at the RG Retail Excellence Awards on 14 October 2026 at The Underglobe, beneath Shakespeare’s iconic Globe on London’s Southbank.
New Store of the Year
The New Store of the Year award recognises outstanding retail spaces that deliver memorable customer experiences, strong visual concepts and a fresh approach to physical retail.
This year’s shortlist includes destination stores, travel retail, specialist boutiques and new formats from some of the industry’s best-known names.
The finalists are:
- The Black Farmer, White City
- Decathlon UK, IKEA
- Harding Retail, Palm Pals
- WHSmith, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5
- Sports Direct, Liverpool
- Boots Fragrance Boutique, Broadgate Central, east London
- B&Q TradePoint, Barking
The shortlist reflects the continued importance of physical retail and the many different roles stores now play, from offering convenience and specialist advice to creating immersive brand experiences.
The finalists also demonstrate how retailers are investing in locations designed around specific audiences, missions and shopping occasions.
Homeware Retailer of the Year
Four businesses have been shortlisted for Homeware Retailer of the Year, recognising retailers that have delivered standout products, service and customer experiences within the home and interiors market.
The finalists are:
- OKA Direct Limited
- Dreamland Bedding Centre
- Next Home
- Home Furnishings
The category celebrates retailers helping customers create homes that reflect their lifestyles, tastes and practical needs.
From furniture and accessories to bedding and broader home collections, the shortlisted businesses represent a range of approaches to serving the homeware customer.
Own Brand of the Year
Seven retailers and product ranges are in the running for Own Brand of the Year.
The award recognises businesses that have developed distinctive, high-quality own-brand products that strengthen customer loyalty and stand apart in competitive markets.
The finalists are:
- Space NK
- Sephora Collection
- The Best
- Ruff’s Recipes
- iD Mobile
- Deluxe
- Premium OL Pasta
The shortlist spans beauty, grocery, telecommunications and pet products, celebrating the growing importance of exclusive ranges across the retail sector.
Strong own brands can give customers a clear reason to choose one retailer over another, combining value, innovation and a proposition that cannot be found elsewhere.
This year’s finalists demonstrate how retailers are using product development to build stronger identities and deepen their relationships with customers.
Beauty Retailer of the Year
Six businesses have been shortlisted for Beauty Retailer of the Year, celebrating the retailers and brands delivering compelling products, engaging experiences and innovative approaches to customer loyalty.
The finalists are:
- Sephora UK
- Boots
- Noli
- P.Louise with LoyaltyLion
- Superdrug
The beauty market remains one of retail’s most dynamic and fast-moving sectors, shaped by changing trends, digital communities and growing customer demand for personalised and inclusive experiences.
This year’s finalists range from major health and beauty retailers to specialist brands and digital-first businesses, highlighting the different ways companies are connecting with beauty customers.
The shortlist also reflects the importance of loyalty, community and customer engagement alongside product quality and innovation.
Retail’s biggest celebration
The shortlisted businesses will join leaders and teams from across the industry at the new and improved RG Retail Excellence Awards 2026.
Guests will begin the evening with a drinks reception before enjoying a three-course sit-down dinner, live entertainment and the opportunity to network with some of retail’s brightest minds.
Set within the distinctive surroundings of The Underglobe, the event will celebrate the retailers, brands and individuals making an outstanding contribution to the industry.
The winners of New Store of the Year, Homeware Retailer of the Year, Own Brand of the Year and Beauty Retailer of the Year will be revealed during the ceremony on 14 October 2026.
Partners for the RG Excellence 2026 include Scala, Cvent, Acopia, Daikin Diebold Nixdorf and JCDecaux, as well as Elisium and Smart Works.
Find out more about the RG Retail Excellence Awards and secure your place at the 2026 ceremony here.
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