Retailers including Currys, Holland & Barrett and B&Q have been named as finalists 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. These categories recognize 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 on 14 October 2026 at The Underglobe, beneath Shakespeare’s Globe on London’s Southbank.
Supply Chain Projects Shortlisted for Top Honors
Eight projects have been named as finalists for Supply Chain Initiative of the Year. The award recognizes programs 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 include the Global Supply Chain Programme from Costa Coffee. Paul Smith is nominated for its partnership with Ingrid, while Footasylum is recognized for its partnership with invent.ai. Harding Retail appears on the list for the TPP Retail & Harding+ project. Holland & Barrett is shortlisted for “The Krill to Protect the Penguins.”
Currys has secured two places in the category for its Four Retail Outbases and One Best Way initiatives. Temu also completes the shortlist. The range of projects demonstrates the breadth of work taking place across retail supply chains. Retailers continue to face pressure to deliver products quickly and reliably while controlling costs, improving availability and reducing waste.
This focus on specialized technology partnerships and environmental logistics mirrors a broader shift seen in the retail sector over the last half-decade. Where companies once focused almost exclusively on speed and cost-cutting within their own four walls, the current finalists highlight a move toward collaborative ecosystems. The reliance on external AI specialists for planning suggests that internal legacy systems are often no longer sufficient for modern demand volatility.
The shortlisted initiatives show how businesses are responding through a combination of technology, collaboration and redesigned operating models. 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 and operational decision-making. Harding Retail, Temu and Holland & Barrett complete the shortlist, with projects spanning retail technology, international operations and environmental responsibility.
Related: Asda cuts losses with new security tool
Environmental and People Strategies Highlighted
Four retailers have been shortlisted for the HR Excellence Award, which celebrates businesses delivering outstanding people strategies and creating positive working environments. 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.
Six businesses are in the running for Sustainable Retailer of the Year, celebrating retailers taking meaningful action to improve their environmental and social impact. Among the finalists is Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery. 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 category recognises retailers working to embed responsible practices into their operations and long-term strategies, 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 the shortlists, having also been recognised in the Supply Chain Initiative of the Year category. The latest finalists highlight the key 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 before the winners of the HR Excellence Award, Supply Chain Initiative of the Year and Sustainable Retailer of the Year are revealed.
