Hailed as the ‘pride of British retail’ by the judges, and applauded for his passion for the industry, Primark CEO Paul Merchant was crowned The Clarity Retail Leader of the Year before 1,300 peers at the 24th annual Retail Week Awards sponsored by Salesforce in London this evening. Ann Summers CEO Jaqueline Gold picked up Retail Activist of the Year for her work with the government in championing gender equality, small businesses and for being a hugely vocal and inspirational advocate for women in business. The Co-op was awarded the The Hermes Global Impact Award for The Co-op Way. Retail Activist of the Year and The Hermes Global Impact Award are two brand new categories for Retail Week Awards 2019.

Julian Richer, founder of Richer Sounds, was also recognised with The AlixPartners Outstanding Contribution to Retail with Retail Week executive editor George MacDonald commenting: “When choosing a winner for this award, we look for an ambassadorial contribution on behalf of the whole industry. Julian is a huge success story and one that epitomises all that is good about this sector. He is a very worthy winner.”

Picking up two Retail Week Awards to add to its trophy cabinet tonight was Aldi, winning Best Grocer and The American Express Best Own-Brand Range for its Mamia baby product range, which has taken the market by storm.