Shoppers have given their verdict in Peterborough’s Queensgate Shopping Centre’s annual awards for customers’ favourite retailers.

Bosses at the Queensgate have just revealed the winners of its Retail Stars Awards 2026.

The awards celebrate the outstanding retailers, teams and individuals who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional experiences for visitors across Peterborough.

They recognise the best of Queensgate’s diverse retail and leisure offering, highlighting the stores that customers clearly cannot do without.

Co-founders of the Unity community retail hub in Peterborough, Dave Poulton and Kez Hayes-Palmer.

placeholder image — Co-founders of the Unity community retail hub in Peterborough, Dave Poulton and Kez Hayes-Palmer.

A spokesperson for the centre said: “Following an overwhelming response from shoppers, this year’s winners reflect the passion, service and dedication that make Queensgate a leading destination in the region.”

There were clear successes for community venture UNITY, which won two awards – Stores You Can’t Live Without and Lifestyle Retailer of the Year – and was runner-up in a third, Independent Retailer of the Year, and the Oculist, which also won two awards – ‘Independent Retailer of the Year‘ and Service Retailer of the Year - and was runner-up in ‘Stores You Can’t Live Without’ while clothing retailer Primark, won the Womenswear Retailer of the Year and the Childrenswear Retailer of the Year awards.

Just arrived vinyl records retailer HMV won the Best Newcomer of the Year award while the Odeon Luxe cinema was runner-up in the Food and Leisure Retailer of the Year.

The Retail Stars 2026 Winners and Runners-Up:

The new HMV store in the Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough

Menswear Retailer of the Year

Winner: TK Maxx

Runner-Up: H&M

Womenswear Retailer of the Year

Winner: Primark

Runner-Up: H&M

Childrenswear Retailer of the Year

Winner: Primark

Runner-Up: H&M

Health & Beauty Retailer of the Year

Winner: Boots

Runner-Up: Lush

Stores You Can’t Live Without

Winner: Unity

Runner-Up: The Oculist

Lifestyle Retailer of the Year

Winner: Unity

Runner-Up: Flying Tiger

Technology Retailer of the Year

Winner: O2

Runner-Up: EE

Service Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Oculist

Runner-Up: Sky

Jewellery & Accessories Retailer of the Year

Winner: Pandora

Runner-Up: Warren James

Best Newcomer of the Year

Winner: HMV

Runner-Up: Rituals

Footwear Retailer of the Year

Winner: Schuh

Runner-Up: Deichmann

Food & Leisure Retailer of the Year

Winner: Tap and Tandoor

Runner-Up: Odeon

Independent Retailer of the Year

Winner: The Oculist

Runner-Up: Unity

Grab & Go Retailer of the Year

Winner: Greggs

Runner-Up: Black Sheep

Home Retailer of the Year

Winner: Søstrene Grene

Runner-Up: TK Maxx

“What makes these awards special is that they are voted for by our customers."

Afterwards, Catherine Lambert, Centre Director at Queensgate Shopping Centre, said: "The Retail Stars Awards are a true celebration of the incredible businesses and people who make Queensgate such a special place.

"Each year, we are inspired by the passion, energy and commitment our retailers show in delivering exceptional experiences for our visitors.

“What makes these awards particularly special is that they are voted for by our customers.

She added: "That recognition means so much, and I’d like to congratulate all of our winners and runners-up, as well as thank everyone who took the time to vote and support their favourite stores."

“The Retail Stars Awards continue to showcase the strength and diversity of Queensgate’s retail and leisure offering, reinforcing its position as a key destination for shopping, dining and social experiences in Peterborough.”