Holland & Barrett has been recognised at the Retail Week Awards 2026, winning the Best New Store Award in the Small/Medium category for its Cardiff Experience Store.
The award highlights the retailer’s ongoing efforts to update its store format, with a focus on improving customer engagement and broadening access to health and wellness services. The Cardiff location is part of a wider strategy to reposition stores as spaces that combine retail with wellbeing support.
The concept includes in-store services such as health checks, blood testing and personalised advice delivered through partnerships including Randox. Stores are also being used to host community activities, including yoga and Pilates sessions, alongside events addressing topics such as mental health and menopause.
According to the company, the format has contributed to increased footfall, higher customer spend and stronger engagement among younger shoppers.
Sustainability has also been a focus in the Cardiff store’s design, with the use of recyclable materials, certified wood and energy-efficient lighting.
H&B says the updated concept is intended to create a more accessible and service-led retail environment, supporting customers in making health and wellness choices in-store.
The Retail Week judges commented: ““This retailer has set a new standard for modern retail with a bold immersive store that’s driven outstanding results and captured a new generation of shoppers.”
Anthony Houghton, Group CEO, Holland & Barrett, said:
“I’m really proud of our colleagues – this award reflects the progress we’ve made in evolving our stores and the momentum we’re building as we continue to improve the experience for our customers.”
H&B moves up 40 places in FT ‘best employer’ rankings
Last month, Holland & Barrett was recognised by the Financial Times as one of the UK’s Best Employers 2026, reflecting continued investment in colleague experience and engagement across the business.
In the 2026 ranking, Holland & Barrett ranked 370th, an improvement of 40 places compared with 2025. The result reflects ongoing progress as the business continues to evolve and invest in how it supports colleagues across its stores, support offices and distribution and packaging centres.
The ranking spans a wide range of sectors, including several prominent retailers such as John Lewis, Ocado, and IKEA.
Maria Anderson, Chief People Officer at Holland & Barrett, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised by the Financial Times as one of the UK’s Best Employers for the second consecutive year.”
