Judges:
Dylan Weymouth, Noel Leeming
Lesley Francis-Ziogas, Ngahuia Group
Jenny Epke, Independent
Richard Allin, Pushbikes

Annexa Technology Innovation

This award honours operators who showcase exemplary use of technology in their business. This includes online retailing, digital marketing and social media, as well as in-store technologies like self-checkout systems, media screens and payment apps.

– What specific technology have you implemented in your business, and how has it been used to enhance operations or customer experience?
– How has this distinguished you from your competitors?
– What measurable results have you achieved through the use of this technology? Include data or feedback that demonstrates the effectiveness and impact of your technological innovations.

Entries for this category are now closed.

• Bradfords
• The Nile
• Bizzy
• Mitre 10 NZ
• Appetise
• Woolworths NZ
• IconicAI

Judges:
Charlotte Sangster, Westpac
Lesley Francis-Ziogas, Ngahuia Group
Scott McMillan, Tea Pea

Mastercard Most Improved Store

Judges are looking for a store manager or team that has made a clear and positive impact on customers, the community or the wider company.

They will look for examples of exceptional retail execution, inspiring leadership and effective teamwork, along with evidence of improvements in customer satisfaction and commercial success. Managers and teams should be nominated by their company.  This is open to physical and/or online operations. 

– Outline the situation prior to the improvements and changes made. 
– Describe how you tackled these issues and what changes you made to improve the performance of the store/business. 
– Share how this provided a better experience for customers. 
– What improvements resulted from these changes in terms of increased sales, profits, foot traffic, NPS results, loyalty conversion and average customer spend? 

Entries for this category are now closed.

• Ben & Jerry’s, Havelock North
• Unity Books, Auckland
• Spark, Lynn Mall
• Homestead, Ashburton
• Noel Leeming, Matamata
• Warehouse Stationery, Gisborne

Judges:
Marcus Hecht Henriksen, Lobbyco
Sarah Fry, Minor Hotel Group
Merv Rowe, Westpac

OneMusic Best New Store Design

This category is open to all retail sectors and store sizes. It encompasses New Zealand stores that have either opened or been refurbished in the past 12 months. The judges will evaluate innovation and creativity in the store design.

They will also look for evidence of increased sales following the redesign and indications that the changes will contribute to long-term profitable growth for the retailer.

– Describe a store design or concept you have introduced in the past 12 months. 
– What are the distinctive and standout features of your store design? 
– What research did you conduct before implementing this design? 
– What impact has the store design or concept had on the business? Include evidence of increased sales following the redesign and/or indications that the changes will contribute to long-term profitability for the company. 
– How has the design enhanced the customer experience?

Entries for this category are now closed.

• Renaissance Spa, Christchurch
• Briscoes – Rebel X
• Studio 97, Kaiapoi
• Spark, Westfield, St Lukes
• Normanby Fine Wines, Wellington
• Unichem, The Palms

Judges:
Sam Shosanya, Compra
Marcus Hecht Henriksen, Lobbyco
Daniel Cloete, Westpac

IconicAI Online Store of the Year

Judges are seeking an e-commerce retail manager or team that has significantly and positively impacted customers, the community or the broader company.

They will look for examples of outstanding online retail execution, inspiring leadership and effective teamwork, as well as evidence of enhanced customer satisfaction and commercial success. Open to online operators and stores with an online and in-store offering.

– What are the distinctive and standout features of your online store? 
– How have you enhanced the online customer experience in the past 12 months? 
– What motivated these changes and how did you assess their success? 
– Describe how these improvements have driven revenue growth for the business. 
– How do your support services contribute to a positive online customer experience?

Entries for this category are now closed.

• Unity Books, Auckland
• The Nile
• Normanby Fine Wines
• Woolworths NZ
• Homestead, Ashburton
• Book Hero

Judges:
Mandy Tomlinson, Spark
Sarah Fry, Minor Hotel Group
Michelle Stephens, Lotto NZ

Service IQ Customer Service Experience of the Year

This award honours the retailer that excels in providing an exceptional customer experience.

This could be achieved through technology or other solutions such as services, but it must address a specific customer need or create a memorable, exciting experience. The winning initiative will have clearly contributed to enhanced business performance and overall success. This category is open to physical store and online operators.

– What significant customer experience initiative has your organisation introduced in the past year? 
– Can you explain the vision and strategy behind this initiative, including the main reasons for its development? 
– What results has the customer experience initiative achieved? Describe how you measure and assess its impact. 
– How has this initiative affected your unique customer proposition and in what ways does it set you apart from your competitors? 
– What type of training has your team received to ensure the successful rollout of this initiative?

Entries for this category are now closed.

• Fifth Avenue Diamond Experts, Takapuna
• Unichem, The Palms
• Container Space, Mt Maunganui
• Goody Goodness, Petone
• Paula’s Home & Living, Paraparaumu
• Normanby Fine Wines

Judges:
Danielle Genty-Nott, ServiceIQ
Renee Rowland, Booksellers
Jenny Epke, Independent

Kora Outstanding New Talent

Judges aim to recognise the most promising new talents in the New Zealand retail sector.

The winner will showcase innovation and enthusiasm, demonstrating how they have significantly impacted the business. Judges will seek individuals recognised as exceptional talents in their field, possessing strong business acumen and serving as an inspiration to their peers. Age is no barrier!

This award is open to any individual who has entered the sector within the past five years (on or after 1 April 2021).  Entrants can self-nominate but need to include their manager’s contact details for verification. Entrants can work in a physical or online store operation.
 
– How has the nominee pursued professional development and growth since joining the retail sector? What steps have they taken to expand their skills and knowledge? 
– What specific accomplishments has the nominee achieved in their role? How have these contributions positively impacted the team or business? 
– In what ways has the nominee shown leadership or influenced their colleagues and team members? Provide examples of how they have motivated or inspired others in the workplace. 
– How has the nominee enhanced the customer experience? Provide examples of initiatives or actions that have led to improved customer satisfaction. 
– What feedback has been received from colleagues, supervisors or customers about the nominee’s performance? Have they received any formal recognition or awards for their work? 

Entries for this category are now closed.

• Trinity Ries, Shopology
• Daniel Tollenaar, Nutrition Warehouse

Judges:
Belinda van Eyndhoven, Westpac
Richard Allin, Pushbikes
Renee Rowland, Booksellers
Scott McMillan, Tea Pea

Knapp Sustainability Leadership

Judges aim to recognise the most promising new talents in the New Zealand retail sector.

The winner will showcase innovation and enthusiasm, demonstrating how they have significantly impacted the business. Judges will seek individuals recognised as exceptional talents in their field, possessing strong business acumen and serving as an inspiration to their peers. Age is no barrier!

This award is open to any individual who has entered the sector within the past five years (on or after 1 April 2021).  Entrants can self-nominate but need to include their manager’s contact details for verification. Entrants can work in a physical or online store operation.
 
– How has the nominee pursued professional development and growth since joining the retail sector? What steps have they taken to expand their skills and knowledge? 
– What specific accomplishments has the nominee achieved in their role? How have these contributions positively impacted the team or business? 
– In what ways has the nominee shown leadership or influenced their colleagues and team members? Provide examples of how they have motivated or inspired others in the workplace. 
– How has the nominee enhanced the customer experience? Provide examples of initiatives or actions that have led to improved customer satisfaction. 
– What feedback has been received from colleagues, supervisors or customers about the nominee’s performance? Have they received any formal recognition or awards for their work? 

Entries for this category are now closed.

• The Warehouse – The Good Drop
• Woolworths NZ – Egg Sourcing
• Woolworths NZ – EMC
• The Warehouse – Group Sourcing SSCF Solution
• Foodtsuffs North Island – EV Heavy Vehicles
• Vapo – Vape Recycling
• New World, Birkenhead – Reverse Vending
• Nevé Luxury Fragrances

Judges:
Merv Rowe, Westpac
Sam Shosanya, Compra
Michelle Stephens, Lotto NZ

NZ Post Young Retailer of the Year

The Young Retailer of the Year Award recognises outstanding new talent in the New Zealand retail sector.

This category celebrates young people who are already making a meaningful impact in retail through initiative, leadership potential and customer focus. The award highlights individuals who demonstrate strong business acumen, innovation and enthusiasm, and who are emerging as future leaders of the retail industry. 

Open to individuals aged 25 years and under as at 1 March 2026. Entrants must be working in the New Zealand retail sector, in either a physical or online store operation. Entrants can self-nominate, but need to include a manager or employer’s contact details for verification. 
 
– How has the nominee developed their skills, knowledge and capability in retail? What initiative have they shown in learning, improving or taking on responsibility?
– What specific achievements or contributions has the nominee made in their role?
How have these positively impacted customers, team performance or business outcomes?
– How has the nominee demonstrated leadership, initiative or influence beyond their core role? Provide examples of how they have supported, motivated or inspired others.
– In what ways has the nominee enhanced the customer experience? Include examples of actions, ideas or behaviours that have improved customer satisfaction or loyalty.
– What feedback has the nominee received from managers, colleagues or customers? Include any formal or informal recognition that demonstrates their impact and potential. 

Entries for this category are now closed.

• Preston Bishell, One NZ, Glenfield
• Ella Gleeson, The Curvy Rental Boutique
• Brooke Elliott-Forster-Clampitt, Normanby Fine Wines
• Esther Cai, Joylato, Takapuna
• Anna Bennett, Homestead, Ashburton
• Mya Chaitika, Spark
• Hana Tenberge, Yoyo Design by Kiwis
• Libby Price, Container Space

Judges:
YOU be the judge!

Spark People’s Choice

Know a retailer that genuinely connects with customers and makes your day better? Now’s your chance to recognise them.

The People’s Choice Award recognises a retailer that has made a genuine, positive impact on its customers. 
 
This award is open to all retailers with a physical or online store who are based in New Zealand. Retailers cannot self-nominate, they need to be nominated by a customer, with the winner determined by public vote. 

Eligibility and Process: 
– Open to all physical and online retail businesses operating in New Zealand.  
– Retailers cannot self-nominate.  
– Public nominations are limited to one nomination per email address.  
– Nominated retailers will be verified and shortlisted by Retail NZ before progressing to the public vote.  
– Public voting will be hosted on the Retail NZ website.  
– Voting will be moderated and audited. Retail NZ reserves the right to disqualify fraudulent or manipulated voting activity.  
– All decisions are final.  
  
Entries for this category are now closed. This category is now open for public voting.

View the finalists here.

Visa Lifetime Contribution

This award celebrates an individual whose career has profoundly shaped and advanced the retail sector.

This prestigious accolade recognises exceptional achievements and enduring impact, honouring those whose visionary leadership, innovative spirit and unwavering commitment have set new benchmarks for the industry.

Nominees for this award will be evaluated on their significant and sustained influence on the retail landscape. This includes their role in driving innovation, maintaining excellence over many years and mentoring future leaders. Contributions to the community and industry, along with a lasting legacy and adherence to high ethical standards, are also key factors in the selection process.

The award seeks to acknowledge those whose career achievements have not only advanced their own business but have also enriched and transformed the retail industry as a whole. Entrants cannot self-nominate but can support the submission.

– Describe the nominee’s overall impact on the retail industry throughout their career. Include contributions that have significantly influenced industry practices, standards or innovation. 
– Provide examples of how the nominee has demonstrated innovation and leadership in the retail sector. Highlight groundbreaking initiatives, strategic vision and pioneering approaches they have introduced. 
– Detail the nominee’s track record of sustained excellence and performance over the course of their career. Include evidence of continued success and high standards maintained throughout their tenure. 
– Explain how the nominee has mentored and developed future leaders in the retail industry. Include examples of their contributions to training, guiding and inspiring the next generation of retail professionals. 
– Outline the nominee’s contributions to the community and industry beyond their immediate business. This may include involvement in industry associations, charitable activities and efforts to promote retail as a profession. 
– List notable achievements and awards received by the nominee that recognise their significant contributions to the retail industry. 
– Describe the lasting legacy and influence of the nominee’s work. How have their contributions shaped the current landscape of retail and what enduring impact have they made? 
– Assess the nominee’s adherence to high ethical standards and integrity throughout their career. Provide examples of how they have upheld and promoted ethical practices in the retail industry. 

Entries for this category are now closed.

• Announced on the night