13 Mar 2026
The St Albans Retailer of the Year Awards return for 2026, celebrating the incredible businesses, teams and individuals who make the city such a vibrant place to shop, dine and visit.
The awards are brought to you by The Maltings Shopping Centre and the St Albans Times, recognising the very best of the local retail community and the passion behind the shopfronts that give St Albans its unique character.
Following the hugely successful revival of the awards in 2024, which attracted hundreds of nominations and culminated in a packed celebration at The Maltings Arts Theatre, the 2026 programme promises to be even bigger.
After nominations close, shortlisted finalists will be announced, and the public will have one month to vote for their winners. The awards will culminate in a celebratory ceremony at the Arts Theatre on Monday May 18, bringing together retailers, partners and members of the local community for an evening dedicated to recognising excellence on the high street.
The awards shine a spotlight on a wide range of categories representing the city’s diverse retail landscape – from independents and market traders to fashion, food and drink, beauty, lifestyle and customer service excellence.
New for 2026 are two additional categories: Best Newcomer, recognising businesses that have opened within the past two years, and Best Pub/Bar, celebrating venues that help make the St Albans hospitality scene so vibrant.
In addition to the public-voted categories, the prestigious Champion’s Award will be selected by an independent judging panel from the category winners, recognising an individual or business that has made an exceptional contribution to St Albans’ retail scene.
Last year’s winners reflected the strength and diversity of the city’s retail landscape.
Businesses including Up We Pop, Empire Records, Chloe James Lifestyle, Kat’s Cuisine, Barbone, Andy Shoesmiths, Hannah Sessions Design and Toast were recognised across categories, with Theresa Kennedy of Up We Pop also receiving the prestigious Champion of the Year title. The 2024 ceremony demonstrated the depth of talent across St Albans and the passion the community has for supporting its favourite high street heroes.
Richard Marrett, centre director at The Maltings Shopping Centre, said: “St Albans has an incredibly strong retail community, from passionate independents to much-loved national brands.
“These awards are about recognising the people behind the shopfronts who create welcoming spaces, deliver outstanding service and contribute so much to our city’s unique character.”
St Albans Times editor Matt Adams added: “We never anticipated the excitement and pride which accompanied the 2024 awards, it truly was a night to remember.
“We knew that we had to make this year’s competition even bigger to reflect the passion and commitment displayed by all of our many magnificent retailers here in St Albans, and can’t wait to see who YOU vote for.”
Residents, visitors and shoppers are encouraged to nominate their favourite businesses from March 13 via www.StAlbansROTY.com
Once finalists are announced, the public will then be invited to cast their votes ahead of the ceremony in May.
Key Dates for 2026
Nominations open: Thursday 12 March 12
Nominations close: Sunday 12 April 12
Public voting for finalists: April 15 – May 13
All voting closes: May 13
Awards ceremony: Monday May 18 at The Maltings Arts Theatre
2024 Winners
- Customer Service Winner: Theresa Kennedy – Up We Pop
- Entertainment & Lifestyle Winner: Empire Records
- Fashion & Lifestyle Winner: Chloe James Lifestyle
- Food & Drink Winner: Kat’s Cuisine
- Hair & Beauty Winner: Barbone
- Independents Winner: Andy Shoesmiths
- Market Stall Winner: Hannah Sessions Design
- Restaurant Winner: Toast
- Champion of the Year: Theresa Kennedy – Up We Pop
