The judging for the SLR Awards 2026 is now complete and we’re delighted to announce that our host for this year will once again be the force of nature that is Grado, back by popular demand.
Following two rounds of paper judging and a six-week period of on-the-road store visits, the judging for the SLR Awards 2026 is now complete. Editor Antony Begley has covered around 4,000 miles and visited every single store on the shortlist, guaranteeing a consistency of judging standards that is quite simply unique to the SLR Awards.
On his travels, he was joined by more than 20 fellow judges who visited every corner of Scotland, from Lockerbie and Eastriggs in the south to Lochcarron in the north – and everywhere in between.
Antony commented: “The standout feature from this year’s judging has once again been the scale of investment and the ferocity of ambition that is being demonstrated throughout Scotland. It’s something that our sector should be immensely proud of and there’s no doubt in my mind that the future of Scottish local retailing is in fantastically capable hands.
“It’s probably fair comment to say that you could make a strong case for virtually every store on the shortlist to be a winner. The standard has been thoroughly impressive, made all the more impressive against the backdrop of what has been an immensely challenging year for the sector.”
Wed 17 June 2026, Radisson blu, Glasgow
Stevenston superstar
SLR is also pleased to announce that the one and only Grado will be making his way from the tap end of Stevenston to join us in Glasgow on June 17 to host the SLR Awards once again.
Grado is very much back by popular demand and will bring his unique brand of chaos and banter to the event for a second year as we celebrate this exceptional industry and have a damn fine time in the process.
It’s an event you don’t want to miss, so grab your tickets to make sure you’ll be there on the night to celebrate the very best of Scottish local retailing.
