Lyrath Estate Hotel,
Kilkenny
ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED
Lyrath Estate Hotel,
Kilkenny
This award honours an Irish retail business that has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and leadership. The recipient will have consistently delivered outstanding customer experience, shown a commitment to continuous improvement, and stood out for their ability to adapt and grow in a competitive retail environment. Like our 2024 winner, Diamond Furniture, the winner will represent the highest standard in Irish retail - combining operational excellence with a clear brand vision, strong team culture, and meaningful customer connection. The National Retailer of the Year is selected from the winners of each award category. Award categories are subject to change based on the nature and variety of entries received - these cover all sectors of retail:
Phase 1: Nominations & Entries >> OPEN 01/05/2025 >> Nominations CLOSE 31/05/2025 >> Entries CLOSE 27/06/2025 Phase 2: Mystery Shop : Commences 2-3 days from receipt of entry >> CLOSE 18/07/2025 Phase 3: Top 100 Finalists Announced 25/07/2025 >> Top 100 Submissions : OPEN 28/07/2025 : CLOSE 07/08/2025 Phase 4: Top 30 Finalists Announced 16/09/2025 >> Top 30 Store Visits : Concludes 04/10/2025 Winners: Announced on Awards Night 15/11/2025
You can enter the National Retailer of the Year Awards or the Independent Store of the Year Award, but not both.
Celebrating stand-out independent retailers who deliver exceptional customer experience and innovation. This award honours those setting benchmarks in creativity, community engagement, and retail excellence.
Phase 1: Nominations & Entries >> OPEN 01/05/2025 >> Nominations CLOSE 31/05/2025 >> Entries CLOSE 27/06/2025 Phase 2: Mystery Shop : Commences 2-3 days from receipt of entry >> CLOSE 18/07/2025 Phase 3: Top 20 Finalists Announced 25/07/2025 >> Top 100 Submissions : OPEN 28/07/2025 : CLOSE 07/08/2025 Phase 4: Top 5 Finalists Announced 16/09/2025 >> Top 5 Store Visits BEGIN 06/10/2025 : END 10/10/2025 Winners: Announced on Awards Night 15/11/2025
Eligibility to the enter the Independent Store of the Year Award, requires the company: - have a maximum of 2 stores - have 15 employees or less per store You can enter the Independent Store of the Year Award or National Retailer of the Year Awards or but not both.
Honouring retailers leading the way in sustainability, ethics, and community impact. This award recognises those committed to doing good while doing great business. We invite all retailers, whether they feel their sustainable action is small or large, to apply. This Award is about progress over perfection, and we want to recognise the steps Irish Retailers are making towards sustainability.
Phase 1: Entries >> OPEN 01/05/2025 >> Entries CLOSE 27/06/2025 Phase 2: Submission from receipt of entry >> CLOSE 07/08/2025 Phase 3: Top 5 Finalists Announced 05/09/2025 >> Top 5 Interviews : BEGIN 15/09/2025 Winners: Announced on Awards Night 15/11/2025
Awarding digital retail teams driving growth, innovation, and seamless online experiences. This category celebrates collaboration, agility, and commercial success in eCommerce.
Phase 1: Entries >> OPEN 01/05/2025 >> Entries CLOSE 11/07/2025 Phase 2: Submission: OPEN from date of entry >> CLOSE 07/08/2025 Phase 3: Top 5 Finalists Announced 05/09/2025 >> Top 5 Interviews : BEGIN 15/09/2025 Winners: Announced on Awards Night 15/11/2025
Recognising excellence from small online retailers making a big impact in digital retail. Agility, customer focus, and growth are at the heart of this award.
Phase 1: Entries >> OPEN 01/05/2025 >> Entries CLOSE 11/07/2025 Phase 2: eCommerce Reviews : BEGIN 14/07/2025 >> END 22/08/2025 Phase 3: Top 5 Finalists Announced 5/08/2025 >> Top 5 Presentations : BEGIN 15/09/2025 Winner: Announced on Awards Night 15/11/2025
Entrants turnover per year: up to €1 million
Celebrating mid-sized eCommerce businesses that combine scale with creativity and strong performance. This award honours digital excellence and customer satisfaction.
Phase 1: Entries >> OPEN 01/05/2025 >> Entries CLOSE 11/07/2025 Phase 2: eCommerce Reviews : BEGIN 14/07/2025 >> END 22/08/2025 Phase 3: Top 5 Finalists Announced 5/08/2025 >> Top 5 Presentations : BEGIN 15/09/2025 Winner: Announced on Awards Night 15/11/2025
Entrants turnover per year: up to €5 million
Awarding high-performing online retailers setting the standard for innovation, logistics, and experience. A category for digital leaders shaping the future of online retail.
Phase 1: Entries >> OPEN 01/05/2025 >> Entries CLOSE 11/07/2025 Phase 2: eCommerce Reviews : BEGIN 14/07/2025 >> END 22/08/2025 Phase 3: Top 5 Finalists Announced 5/08/2025 >> Top 5 Presentations : BEGIN 15/09/2025 Winner: Announced on Awards Night 15/11/2025
Entrants turnover per year: greater than €5 million
Recognising up-and-coming talent who are already making waves and looking to carve their career in retail. This award celebrates passion, potential, and early impact. This person should be currently a team member and not in a management position.
Phase 1: Entries >> OPEN 01/05/2025 >> Entries CLOSE 11/07/2025 Phase 2: Submission: OPEN from date of entry >> CLOSE 07/08/2025 Phase 3: Top 5 Finalists Announced 05/09/2025 >> Top 5 Interviews : BEGIN 15/09/2025 Winner: Announced on Awards Night 15/11/2025
Entrants must not be in a supervisory or management role.
Celebrating long-standing team members who make a big difference every day. This award honours the person who has had a positive influence on your business through their dedication, reliability, and quiet excellence.
Phase 1: Entries >> OPEN 01/05/2025 >> Entries CLOSE 11/07/2025 Phase 2: Submission: OPEN from date of entry >> CLOSE 07/08/2025 Phase 3: Top 5 Finalists Announced 05/09/2025 >> Top 5 Interviews : BEGIN 15/09/2025 Winner: Announced on Awards Night 15/11/2025
Entrants must not be in a supervisory or management role.
Honouring retail managers, currently managing a retail store, who inspire their teams and deliver exceptional business results. This award recognises leadership, drive, and operational excellence.
Phase 1: Entries >> OPEN 01/05/2025 >> Entries CLOSE 11/07/2025 Phase 2: Submission: OPEN from date of entry >> CLOSE 07/08/2025 Phase 3: Top 5 Finalists Announced 05/09/2025 >> Top 5 Interviews : BEGIN 15/09/2025 Winner: Announced on Awards Night 15/11/2025
Entrants must be currently successfully managing a retail store.
Recognising outstanding REI partners who consistently go above and beyond for their retailers. This award celebrates collaboration, reliability, and supply chain excellence.
Phase 1: Entries >> OPEN 01/05/2025 >> Entries CLOSE 11/07/2025 Phase 2: Submission: OPEN from date of entry >> CLOSE 12/08/2025 Phase 3: Top 5 Finalists Announced 12/09/2025 >> Top 5 Interviews : BEGIN 22/09/2025 Winner: Announced on Awards Night 15/11/2025
Entrants must be a registered REI Partner.
