Three new categories for independent retailers and two for suppliers have been introduced for the Boutique Star Awards 2026, which will return in November for its sixth year.
Among the new honours for indies are Independent Department Store of the Year, Resilient Retailer of the Year and Retailer Event of the Year. On the supplier side, new categories include Lifestyle and Accessories Brand of the Year and Tech Innovation of the Year. The popular Favourite Supplier award, voted for by Boutique magazine readers, will also return for 2026.
Entries will open online via boutique-magazine.co.uk at the end of March, when retailers and suppliers will be invited to answer questions about their business, ethos and strategy. Submissions will then be reviewed by a panel of impartial industry experts, with the shortlist announced in August.
This year’s winners’ party will take place in central London, with the venue to be confirmed.
Boutique magazine owner Julie Neill says this year’s awards will recognise the hard work taking place behind the scenes across the industry: “Indie retailers and brands have had to work at being resilient, creative and outstanding to succeed in this extremely difficult climate and these awards celebrate their tenacity and dedication. We hope you’ll put your business forward for an award and join us to honour this amazing, resilient sector in November.”
