The search is on for Scotland’s brightest and best as the SLR Awards 2026 officially get underway, aiming to recognise and reward the stars of our incredible sector.
There’s no question that the last year has been another very challenging one for the Scottish local retailing sector and that looks set to continue for the foreseeable future but, as we all know, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Despite the formidable hurdles that we continue to face, Scotland’s local retailers continue to rise to the challenge as they have always done – and at the SLR Awards 2026 we aim once again to recognise and reward those stores, individuals and teams that have met those challenges and have continued to ensure that our sector remains at the forefront of retailing in the UK.
- Entry deadline: 13 Mar 2026
- Shortlist announced: early Apr 2026
- Awards ceremony: Wed 17 June 2026, Radisson blu, Glasgow
As always, we’ll be doing the SLR Awards the way we always have. The judging visits will be unannounced – to ensure that our judges see your stores as they really are – and we will once again be taking thousands of photographs and hours of video to show on the night of the awards on 17 June 2026.
Not only do those photographs and videos help us to clearly demonstrate how fantastic our winning stores are, but they also help inspire other retailers in the room to push on. Only by working together and driving each other forward can we make sure that the local retailing sector in Scotland remains vibrant, progressive and relevant long into the future.
Key to a great entry and impressing the judges is providing lots of good photographs to support your entry. We would suggest as a minimum:
- Exterior store shot – ideally including you, the retailer!
- Interior wide shot or two for context.
- At least four or five shots to support the specific category you are entering.
We will be once again returning to the Radisson blu in Glasgow and, as always, all shortlisted stores will be invited to the Awards free of charge, including overnight accommodation. We like to look after our retailers in the same way that they look after the communities they serve.
So, mark 17 June in your diary and give yourself plenty of time to get your entries in by the deadline of 13 March. And don’t be shy with your photographs – the more the merrier – and make sure you send in plenty of pictures that support the specific entry you are making.
Awards Categories
In-Store
- Food-to-Go Retailer of the Year
- Forecourt Convenience Retailer of the Year
- Fresh & Chilled Retailer of the Year
- Home Delivery Retailer of the Year
- Newstrade Retailer of the Year
- Off-Trade Retailer of the Year
- Scottish Brands Retailer of the Year
- Smokeless Alternative Retailer of the Year
- Soft Drinks Retailer of the Year
In-Action
- Community Retailer of the Year
- New Store of The Year
- Refit of the Year
- Sustainability Retailer of the Year
- #ThinkSmart Innovation Award
- Team of the Year
- Special Recognition
- Outstanding Achievement
- Scottish Local Retailer of the Year
Official Sponsors
