Announcing the 2024 People in Retail Awards Finalists
The Retail Bulletin is delighted to announce the highly anticipated shortlist for the prestigious People in Retail Awards (PIRA) 2024.
Now in its second year, the People in Retail Awards continue to recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions and excellence in the retail sector. These awards highlight the individuals and businesses that have raised the bar, demonstrating exceptional commitment and dedication – acknowledging the crucial role of people as the heartbeat of any successful organisation.
The finalists, carefully selected from 14 categories, have been chosen by a panel of judges after an intensive three-day evaluation process.
Regarding the shortlisted candidates, a spokesperson from the judging panel commented:
“These exceptional individuals and retailers have showcased remarkable dedication, significant achievements, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, embodying the core values and culture that are essential to successful businesses in the retail industry. Their inspiring efforts highlight the crucial role people play in driving the sector forward. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Natalie Fresen, Karen Howard, and the entire team for their dedication and hard work in elevating the profile of these vital industry awards, ensuring that the importance of people, culture, and values in retail is recognised and celebrated.”
The People in Retail Awards aim to celebrate exceptional individuals, showcase retail talent on a national scale, provide a benchmark for businesses to improve work environments, and encourage the industry to adopt a people-first philosophy.
“We are delighted to unveil the shortlist for the People in Retail Awards 2024, representing a constellation of outstanding talent, passion, and dedication,” said Natalie Fresen, Chief People Champion for PIRA. “The Retail Bulletin extends its appreciation and congratulations to all retailers and community partners who participated in this year’s awards.”
The shortlist is confirmed as follows:
The JEDI Award (Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion): Holland & Barrett, IKEA, Boots & No7 Beauty Company (Walgreens Boots Alliance), Oliver Bonas
Employee of the Year: River Island: Emily Norris, The Perfume Shop: Tracy Sanderson, Charles Tyrwhitt: Louis Coehlo, Boden: Emily Woods
People Development Team of the Year: The White Company, Charles Tyrwhitt, ScS, The Perfume Shop
Manager of the Year: American Golf: Dan Mahon, Charles Tyrwhitt: Lola Idris, Charles Tyrwhitt: Martin Jones, Ikea: Laura Vicente Cerqueira, FatFace: Karen Johnston, Lincolnshire Co-op Ltd: Lynn Hallam, Victorinox: Desi Reuben-Sealey
Store Champion/Team of the Year: Mantons Cards, Fortnum & Mason: Stock Operations Team (Goods-in), Lincolnshire Co-op Ltd: Carlton Food Store, Selby, The Perfume Shop, Blanchardstown
Team of the Year: American Golf: Profit Protection Team, Boden: Merchandising Team, Fortnum & Mason: Visual Merchandising Team, Ann Summers: Business Change Team, Lincolnshire Co-op Ltd: Carlton Food Stores Team, Selby., The Perfume Shop: Warehouse Automation Project Delivery, Cook Trading: Retail Estates Team
Rising Spark Award: American Golf: Tom Silva Perez, Charles Tyrwhitt: George Morris, The Perfume Shop: Beth Williamson
Community Engagement Programme of the Year: Holland & Barrett, Marketgate Shopping Centre, IKEA, The Midcounties Cooperative with Miss Macaroon, ScS, Naturally Tiwa Skincare, Nisa, Wickes, The Perfume Shop
Retail Association of the Year: Charity Retail Association (CRA), British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), Diversity in Retail
Customer Service Team of the Year: Ascensos & River Island, Bravissimo, The Perfume Shop
Retail Partner of the Year: Mills & Reeve, GenM: Heather Jackson & Sam Simister, WeComm, Vigilo Solutions, OneStock, Peoplesafe, Ascensos, Lightspeed Commerce, Anthropics Technology, Reveal Media
Executive Leader of the Year: To be announced on the night.
Retail Employer of the Year: To be announced on the night.
Spirit of Excellence Awards: To be announced on the night.
Winners of the 2024 awards will be revealed at a black-tie gala in London on 26th September, which promises to be the pinnacle of recognition, camaraderie, and celebration within the industry.
Limited tickets for the event are still available here.
