An iconic London venue, an electric atmosphere, a star-studded host and the biggest names in retail. The first-ever RG Retail Excellence Awards delivered a night to remember.
Shakespeare’s Globe has seen its fair share of drama. But on Wednesday night, the spotlight belonged to retail.
Beneath the historic theatre, the spectacular Underglobe played host to the inaugural RG Retail Excellence Awards, bringing together the industry’s brightest talent for an unforgettable celebration of innovation, ambition and extraordinary achievement.
And what a debut it was.
With an electric atmosphere, music and celebrations filling the dramatic venue, the evening was a fitting tribute to an industry that thrives on reinvention.
At the centre of it all was comedian and The Chase star Paul Sinha, who proved the perfect host, bringing his trademark quick wit, warmth and infectious humour to proceedings.
Sinha kept the energy high and the laughs coming as 19 prestigious awards were presented.
And there was plenty worth celebrating.
The night reached its thrilling climax when Wickes scooped the coveted Retail Excellence Diamond Award, the evening’s ultimate honour, recognising outstanding achievement across customer experience, innovation and business performance.
The DIY giant also claimed Digital Team of the Year, capping an exceptional night for the business.
Another standout moment saw Specsavers founders Dame Mary Perkins and Doug Perkins CBE honoured with the Lifetime Contribution Award, recognising their remarkable impact on British retail and the transformation of optical and audiology care.
Meanwhile, Unhidden founder Victoria Jenkins won the Women in Leadership Award for her pioneering work making fashion more accessible, including bringing adaptive clothing to 96 Primark stores.
Currys also enjoyed a triumphant evening, taking home Own Brand of the Year for iD Mobile and Digital Initiative of the Year for its AI-powered video diagnostics service. Currys project manager Martin Snewin was also named Rising Talent of the Year.
Elsewhere, Boots was crowned Beauty Retailer of the Year, Deliveroo secured Grocer of the Year, Our Coop won Sustainable Retailer of the Year and Wolf & Badger claimed Fashion Retailer of the Year.
OKA picked up Homeware Retailer of the Year, while Ann Summers’ Life Is For(e)play campaign won the Physical Activation & Retail Media Award.
Holland & Barrett triumphed in Supply Chain Initiative of the Year, while Lidl’s collaboration with Hunsnet and Liberty X secured Brand Partnership of the Year.
Frasers Group’s Liverpool Sports Direct flagship was named New Store of the Year, Space NK won Marketing Team of the Year and Morrisons took home the HR Excellence Award.
Argos rounded out the celebrations with Christmas Ad Campaign of the Year.
Behind the accolades was an exceptional 20-strong judging panel, whose industry expertise and rigorous deliberations, culminating in a full judging day, ensured every winner had truly earned their place in the spotlight.
But the night was about more than trophies.
Guests also had the opportunity to support charity partner Smart Works through a silent auction featuring luxury experiences, while an exclusive prize draw courtesy of Elisium Experiences saw Costa Coffee’s Victoria Lowe win a trip to Venice.
With headline sponsors Modern Expo and Scala helping bring the evening to life, the awards marked an ambitious new chapter for RG and its commitment to championing the people, businesses and ideas transforming retail.
As the final award was presented, one thing was clear. This was far more than another industry awards ceremony, it was a spectacular celebration of everything that makes retail extraordinary.
RG Retail Excellence Awards 2026: Full winners list
- Beauty Retailer of the Year: Boots
- Grocer of the Year: Deliveroo
- Sustainable Retailer of the Year: Our Coop
- Fashion Retailer of the Year: Wolf & Badger
- Physical Activation & Retail Media Award: Ann Summers – Life Is For(e)play
- Homeware Retailer of the Year: OKA
- Supply Chain Initiative of the Year: Holland & Barrett
- Brand Partnership of the Year: Lidl – Hunset & Liberty X
- Own Brand of the Year: Currys – iD Mobile
- New Store of the Year: Frasers Group – Sports Direct Liverpool
- Digital Initiative of the Year: Currys – Video Diagnostics
- Marketing Team of the Year: Space NK
- HR Excellence Award: Morrisons
- Digital Team of the Year: Wickes
- Christmas Ad Campaign of the Year: Argos
- Rising Talent Award: Martin Snewin, Currys
- Women in Leadership Award: Victoria Jenkins, Unhidden
- Lifetime Contribution Award: Dame Mary Perkins and Doug Perkins CBE, Specsavers
- Retail Excellence Diamond Award: Wickes
With thanks to:
A huge thank you to our incredible 20-strong judging panel, whose expertise, dedication and industry insight helped make the inaugural RG Retail Excellence Awards possible.
Special thanks also go to our brilliant host Paul Sinha, our sponsors and partners, the team at The Underglobe, and everyone who joined us to celebrate the very best of retail.
Our sponsors and partners:
Headline sponsors
Category sponsors
VIP prize partner
Charity partner
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