Award Categories

Head Office Team of the Year

Behind every great retail operation is a head office team that keeps the wheels turning. This award is for those teams who’ve not only delivered on big projects but have also supported stores, driven innovation, and helped the business adapt and thrive. Whether it’s launching a new system, rolling out a major campaign, or simply being the backbone that stores rely on, we want to hear how your team has made a real difference.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Evidence of successful projects or initiatives that have made a measurable impact
  • Strong collaboration across departments and with stores
  • Fresh thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving in the face of challenges
  • Tangible results for the business, such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or enhanced support

Customer-Facing Team of the Year

This award shines a spotlight on the teams who are the face of your business—those on the shop floor, at the tills, or on the phones. We’re looking for teams who consistently deliver outstanding service, create memorable experiences, and work together to make every customer feel valued. If your team has pulled together to overcome challenges, supported each other, and made a real impact on customers, this is your moment.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Outstanding customer feedback and service stories that set your team apart
  • Examples of teamwork, mutual support, and a positive team spirit
  • Demonstrable impact on customer satisfaction, loyalty, or sales
  • Smart, practical solutions to everyday challenges

Store Manager of the Year

Great stores are built on great leadership. This award is for store managers who lead from the front—motivating their teams, delivering results, and creating a culture where people want to work and customers want to shop. If you’ve built a high-performing team, championed customer service, and made your store a fantastic place to be, we want to hear your story.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Leadership that motivates, develops, and empowers others
  • Strong store performance and operational excellence
  • A clear commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences
  • Support for staff growth, wellbeing, and engagement

Retail Employer of the Year

This category recognises retailers who put their people first. We’re looking for businesses that invest in their teams, foster a positive and inclusive culture, and understand that happy staff lead to happy customers. If your business goes above and beyond to create a great place to work, this is your chance to be recognised.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Opportunities for staff development, progression, and recognition
  • A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture
  • Evidence that employee support translates into better customer experiences
  • Innovative approaches to engagement, retention, and workplace satisfaction

People Development Team of the Year

People are at the heart of retail, and this award celebrates the HR and L&D teams who help colleagues grow, learn, and thrive. We want to hear about training programmes, new initiatives, and the ways your team has helped others reach their potential—whether through formal learning, mentoring, or creative development opportunities.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Impactful learning and development initiatives with clear outcomes
  • High levels of staff engagement, participation, and feedback
  • Innovative use of technology, methods, or approaches to people development
  • Demonstrable improvements in skills, morale, retention, or career progression

Store Champion of the Year

Every store has that one person who goes above and beyond—always positive, always helpful, and always putting customers first. This award is for the individual who is the heartbeat of their store, inspiring colleagues and delighting customers every day.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Consistent delivery of outstanding service and customer care
  • Positive influence on team morale and customer experience
  • Initiative, problem-solving, and a can-do attitude
  • Recognition from customers, colleagues, or managers

Store Team of the Year

Retail is a team sport, and this award celebrates store teams who work together brilliantly, achieve great results, and create a welcoming environment for everyone. If your team has pulled together, supported each other, and delivered for your customers, we want to hear your story.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Evidence of strong teamwork, collaboration, and mutual support
  • Measurable improvements in store performance, customer satisfaction, or other key metrics
  • A positive, inclusive, and engaging team culture
  • Creative approaches to service, operations, or overcoming challenges

Inspirational Leader of the Year

This award is for leaders who inspire others, drive positive change, and put people at the heart of everything they do. We’re looking for individuals who have a clear vision, empower their teams, and make a lasting impact on both people and business.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Clear vision and strategic leadership that sets direction and inspires others
  • Empowerment and development of their team, with real examples of growth
  • Positive impact on business results and team wellbeing
  • Stories of inspiration, innovation, and leading by example

Rising Talent / Future Leader of the Year

The future of retail depends on fresh talent and new ideas. This award is for the next generation of leaders—graduates, apprentices, or early-career colleagues—who show real promise, take initiative, and make a difference from day one.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Leadership potential, ambition, and a willingness to learn
  • Tangible contributions to their team, store, or business
  • Commitment to personal and professional growth
  • Creative thinking, problem-solving, and a fresh perspective

Store Icon

Some individuals transform their stores into more than just places to shop they turn them into beloved community landmarks. This award celebrates a person who has championed a store that has stood the test of time, built a loyal following, and continues to innovate and inspire.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • A long-standing reputation and meaningful impact on the local community
  • Unique approaches to retail, customer experience, or store environment driven by the nominee
  • Evidence of customer loyalty, repeat business, and strong relationships nurtured by the individual
  • Active involvement in local initiatives, events, or partnerships led or supported by the nominee

Wellbeing Warrior

A healthy, happy team is the foundation of any great business. This award celebrates those who champion wellbeing—making work a better, more supportive place for everyone. Whether it’s mental health, physical wellbeing, or creating a culture of care, we want to hear about your impact.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Wellbeing initiatives and their impact on staff
  • High levels of engagement, participation, and positive feedback
  • Improvements in morale, retention, or overall health
  • Advocacy for wellbeing across the business

Frontline Hero

Frontline retail can be tough, and this award is for those who go above and beyond—especially in challenging times. We’re looking for individuals who show resilience, dedication, and genuine care for customers and colleagues, no matter what comes their way.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Stories of overcoming adversity or going the extra mile
  • Commitment to service, teamwork, and supporting others
  • Positive outcomes for customers, colleagues, or the wider business
  • Recognition from peers, managers, or customers

Sustainability Champion

Retail has a big role to play in building a better future. This award recognises those leading the way in sustainability—making retail greener, smarter, and more responsible. If you’re driving change, reducing impact, or inspiring others to act, we want to celebrate your achievements.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Sustainability initiatives and their measurable impact
  • Innovative approaches to environmental challenges
  • Evidence of positive change in sustainability metrics or behaviours
  • Advocacy for sustainability within and beyond the business

TRB Special Impact Award

The TRB Special Impact Award is a brand-new category introduced for the 2026 People in Retail Awards. Unlike other awards, this one is not open for entry—it is specially selected by the TRB and PiRA teams to honour individuals or teams who have made a truly remarkable difference in the retail industry.

This award celebrates:

  • Exceptional teamwork
  • Transformative results
  • Outstanding contributions

Finalists are chosen based on their dedication, innovation, and the lasting impact they’ve made in their communities and organisations. Being selected means your work has been noticed, appreciated, and celebrated by those who closely follow and shape the industry.

We can’t wait to celebrate your story and share your success with the wider community. Thank you for being part of this journey and for inspiring us all with your brilliance.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

Jedi Award

The JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Award welcomes retail organisations to enter based on specific JEDI campaigns or initiatives.

We understand that no retailer is without its challenges, and achieving JEDI excellence is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Our focus is on recognising and celebrating those organisations that are actively working towards a more just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive retail environment. We applaud progress, commitment, and measurable improvements as retailers strive to make a positive impact in their workplaces and communities.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Clear Strategy and Intent - Evidence of JEDI vision, goals, and strategy that align with the organisation’s values and business objectives.
  • Action and Implementation - Specific initiatives, programs, or policies put in place to promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, with examples of how they’ve been executed.
  • Impact and Measurable Outcomes - Tangible results or progress indicators demonstrating real impact on employees, customers, or the community (e.g., representation data, engagement scores, or community outcomes).
  • Commitment and Continuous Improvement - Acknowledgement of challenges and proof of ongoing learning, adaptation, and long-term commitment to advancing JEDI principles.
  • Culture and Storytelling - Authentic stories or testimonials showing how the organisation’s JEDI efforts have influenced culture, behaviour, or perceptions within the workplace and beyond.

Community Impact Award

This category celebrates an individual, team, or organisation that has made a measurable and lasting difference in their local or wider community. Whether through outreach, education, inclusion, sustainability, or wellbeing initiatives, the winner will demonstrate how their actions have positively transformed lives, fostered connection, and inspired others to act.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Purpose & Intent: Clear articulation of the community need or challenge addressed.
  • Reach & Engagement: Evidence of meaningful engagement and the breadth of community involvement.
  • Impact & Outcomes: Tangible results, testimonials, or data showing positive change or benefit.
  • Innovation & Sustainability: Creative approaches and plans for long-term impact or legacy.
  • Inspiration & Leadership: How the initiative has empowered others or set a precedent for community-led change.

Customer Service Team of the Year

The Customer Services Team of the Year award recognises and celebrates the pivotal role that customer service plays in shaping a retailer’s reputation, success, and overall customer satisfaction. It is dedicated to both in-house and outsourced customer service teams that have demonstrated excellence in navigating the complex realm of customer service.

This award emphasises the importance of delivering exceptional customer experiences. In an era where customers have countless choices, it highlights those individuals or teams that consistently go the extra mile to ensure customers feel valued and heard. It also recognises the role of team spirit and collaboration in creating memorable customer interactions.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Exemplary service delivery: Demonstrate your consistent commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and your ability to exceed customer expectations.
  • Efficient issue resolution: Showcase your proficiency in effectively resolving customer issues while ensuring customers feel valued and heard, creating memorable experiences.
  • Teamwork spirit: If part of a team, explain your group's ability to work together harmoniously, display strong team spirit, and create a supportive work environment that leads to remarkable customer experiences.

Retail Partner of the Year

The Retail Partner of the Year award is designed for companies or partners that provide services and products supporting retailers with a people-first ethos. These partners have a deep commitment to creating a better world and a positive impact. Rooted in their DNA is a genuine care for the well-being of people and a dedication to building a better place for everyone to thrive.

Their commercial success is intricately linked to their mission of constructing a better environment for others to prosper. This award celebrates innovative solutions, exceptional services, and relentless support, all aimed at empowering retailers to adapt and thrive in our rapidly evolving landscape.

Emphasising their dedication to building a better future for the retail industry, this accolade underscores the principle that “people matter” at the heart of every endeavour.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Retailer success advocacy: Highlight your commitment to the success of retailers, showcasing your proactive support through technological advancements and other means.
  • Collaboration and teamwork: Describe how you've cultivated a culture of collaboration within your organisation and in your partnerships with retail clients, emphasising your people-centric approach.
  • Community empowerment: Share examples of your efforts in building a sense of community and your contributions to industry growth by empowering retailers, emphasising the importance of "people matter" in your solutions.

Outstanding Achievement Award – Team

Awarded by the TRB team, this honour goes to a team that has demonstrated exceptional impact, resilience, and contribution to the business. It’s about celebrating those who consistently go above and beyond and embody the spirit of excellence in retail.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Exceptional team performance and collaboration
  • Significant contribution to business success
  • Demonstrated resilience and adaptability
  • Positive influence on culture and customer experience

Outstanding Achievement Award – Individual

Awarded by the TRB team, this honour recognises an individual who has made a lasting impact through their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence. It’s about celebrating someone who truly represents the best of retail.

CRITERIA AGAINST WHICH YOU WILL BE JUDGED:

  • Personal impact and contribution to the business
  • Leadership and influence across teams
  • Consistent demonstration of values and excellence
  • Recognition from peers and leadership