THE AWARDS EVENING
Chosen by consumers. Celebrated by the industry.
Retail Champion of the Year 2026 was revealed and presented during the XI CEO & Board Meeting, bringing the consumer verdict to senior retail leaders.
Retail Champion of the Year 2026 Report
Go behind the awards
The Retail Champion of the Year report gives the research behind the 2026 awards. Explore the results, understand what consumers value, and see the findings behind this year’s Retail Champions.
Inside the report: Category results • Consumer findings • Year-on-year developments • Methodology
Research conducted by YouGov.
BEYOND THE RESULTS
The awards show what shoppers recognise. Our Executive Intelligence Briefings look further into what may sit behind those results, what is changing in the market, and which questions deserve further discussion.
Excellence in Technology
The Technology Shoppers Actually Notice
What makes shoppers see a retailer as technologically advanced when yesterday's innovation becomes today's normal?
4–6 min read
Customer Experience
When Shopping Just Works
What makes a store enjoyable when one visit is a quick stop and another calls for time, choice or help?
4–6 min read
Recommended by Shoppers
When a Store Is Worth Recommending
Why a pleasant shopping trip and a strong recommendation are not always the same thing.
4–6 min read
Loyalty Program
When a Loyalty Programme Changes What Shoppers Do Next
How does membership become useful enough to shape the next visit, basket or choice?
4–6 min read
Healthy Food
4–6 min read
Localness
What Makes a Store Feel Local?
Why growing retailers need to decide what should stay different from place to place.
4–6 min read
Year-on-year momentum
Biggest Progress Winners
The Biggest Progress recognition is separate from the Category Champion. It celebrates retailers that have made the strongest year-on-year advance, recognising that excellence is not only about leading today, but also about meaningful progress over time.
THE RESEARCH BEHIND THE AWARDS
Retail Champion of the Year is based on consumer research. Shoppers evaluate retailers shortly after an actual purchase, allowing the awards to reflect recent, real shopping experiences. The 2026 winners are determined from the research results in each award category.
21
retailers analysed
3,092
shopper surveys
1-2 dni
after purchase
30
research questions
Retail Champion of the Year is an award by European Conferences United, organiser of Poland & CEE Retail Summit. Research conducted by YouGov.
YOU ARE HERE
Explore Club of 369
Retail Champion brings the consumer perspective into the wider retail conversation. Club of 369 continues that conversation throughout the year with the people shaping retail in Poland and CEE.