The Creative Retail Awards 2025 brought together the retail sector’s key figures for an evening of celebration at the Emerald Theatre in London on 25 September. Over 40 awards were handed out, highlighting innovation, collaboration and creative excellence across the global retail industry.
The event was marked by its vibrant atmosphere and non-traditional format. Guests were welcomed by showgirls during a drinks reception, setting the tone for a night aimed at breaking from the conventional. “Gone are the days of traditional, formal award dinners, the Creative Retail Awards delivered a vibrant, spectacular event,” noted Design4Retail.
Hosted once again by Aidan Sadler, the ceremony featured live acrobatic and burlesque performances, echoing the creative spirit the awards aim to recognise. The judging process remained true to its independent roots, with an in-person panel session in London ensuring every submission was reviewed rigorously and fairly.
The evening’s accolades spanned categories such as digital innovation, sustainability, lighting, and visual merchandising. Each category included a Winner and a Highly Commended, reflecting the competitive nature and high calibre of this year’s submissions.
The Trailblazer Award made its debut in 2025, introduced to honour brands and individuals challenging convention and driving industry progress. The inaugural award went to Coach, with Giovanni Zaccariello, SVP Global Visual Experience & Store Design, sharing a video message from New York during the event. The brand’s UK team accepted the honour on the night.
Another key moment came with the Shop Drop Daily Concept of the Year, the sole public-voted category. This year’s winner was Fenty, recognised for its “Mane Street” pop-up at Selfridges, which captured the public’s attention for its creative brand presence and experiential impact.
Design Agency of the Year was awarded to StudioXAG, commended for pushing the boundaries of retail storytelling and delivering immersive, brand-defining spaces. Judges highlighted their blend of creative execution and conceptual depth.
The night also celebrated achievements from a broad mix of businesses. Dawkes Music secured the Retail Experience Award, while Portugal Jewels received Store Design of the Year. Other winners included Porsche Cars GB, Fortnum & Mason, IKEA, B&Q, Flannels, Sports Direct, Charlotte Tilbury, Woolworths South Africa, Philip Jones Opticians, Cadbury World, National Trust, Future Stores London, Harrods, Loewe, and On Running.
Following the awards, festivities continued with a live band and DJ set. Attendees praised the evening’s energy and originality, with one guest, TonyG, remarking, “Perhaps this sort of thing goes on all the time in London but for a company based in the sticks, it was a thoroughly enjoyable eye-opening feast of flamboyancy!”
Kesslers London returned as Headline Partner, alongside various sponsors and supporters who contributed to the event’s scale and success. Co-organiser Antony Behiels reflected on the night’s significance, stating, “The Creative Retail Awards 2025 wasn’t just about the trophies – it was a powerful reflection of the innovation, passion and progress driving the retail industry forward.”
Looking ahead, the 2026 Creative Retail Awards are already in development, with entries set to open on 31 October. Organisers are promising an even more ambitious event next year, building on the momentum of this year’s achievements.