The Retas 2026 Finalists Revealed

With a wave of a wand 168 retailers can start preparing for a magical afternoon at The Retas 2026 awards after being named as this year’s worthy finalists.

Celebrating excellence across independent retail, multiple retailers, supermarkets and convenience stores, The Retas recognise the businesses delivering outstanding creativity, customer experience and commitment to the greetings card sector.

For independent retailers in particular, the awards remain a key moment in the industry calendar, highlighting the passion and dedication that continues to drive high street and community retailing across the UK.

As a company dedicated to supporting independent retailers, CardGains is proud to see so many members of the independent retail community represented among this year’s finalists.

Judging and nominations

The finalists across the 22 categories were determined through nominations submitted by publishers, sales representatives and agents, who put forward their top-performing stores, alongside retailers who also entered themselves for consideration.

Awards ceremony

Winners will be revealed at a magical, mystical afternoon event at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Thursday 2nd July, where retailers, publishers and industry professionals will come together to celebrate the very best in the sector.

Jakki Brown, Managing Director and co-owner of Max Publishing, which owns and organises The Retas, said the industry can expect a truly memorable occasion.

“There really is magic in the air for this year’s Retas for these retailer magicians,” Jakki Brown said. “I can’t wait for them all to get together for a wizard time at the awards event.

Every single finalist is worthy of their nominations, they all work so hard and thoroughly deserve their moment having been pulling out all the stops over the past year, making great product selections, updating their store environments, and engaging with customers and the community.”

Independent retail excellence

The Retas continue to highlight the vital role independent retailers play within the greetings card industry, from product curation and store experience through to community engagement and customer loyalty.

Congratulations to all the finalists and we wish them the very best of luck ahead of the awards ceremony this July.