Retail Startup Awards 2026 took centre stage at the Retail Leadership Summit 2026 as the Retailers Association of India (RAI) unveiled the winners in a grand ceremony celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship. Marking its ninth edition, the prestigious awards spotlight India’s most promising retail startups poised to make a significant impact in 2026. Instituted by RAI, the Retail Startup Awards recognise disruptive retail innovation, scalable business models, and emerging brands driving transformation across the Indian retail sector, reinforcing RAI’s commitment to fostering next-generation retail leaders.
The ‘Retail Startup Awards’ instituted by RAI celebrate the dynamism and ingenuity of emerging entrepreneurs who are redefining the contours of India’s retail ecosystem. By recognizing ventures that have translated bold ideas into scalable, impactful businesses, the awards spotlight startups that are addressing unmet market needs and elevating consumer experiences through innovation, technology, and seamless convenience.
“Each edition of the Retail Startup Awards reinforces the depth of entrepreneurial talent across the country. We continue to witness an impressive spectrum of startups from diverse geographies and segments, all contributing fresh thinking and transformative solutions to the retail sector. Their ability to create meaningful value for both businesses and consumers is truly commendable. We are proud to recognize and celebrate this year’s winners, who exemplify excellence, resilience, and forward-looking innovation,” said Dr. Hitesh Bhatt, Director – Marketing and Communication, Retailers Association of India (RAI).
The Retail Leadership Summit 2026 provided the perfect backdrop for the awards, underscoring RAI’;s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within India’s retail industry.
The entries were evaluated over set criteria and a final shortlist of 10 innovative retail startups was presented to the grand jury consisting of Amit Sarda – MD, Soulflower and Rehan Huck – VP & Head of Leasing, DLF Malls.
The three retail startups that have emerged as the winners of the RAI Retail Startup Awards 2026:
Winners: Sleepycat
1st Runner Up: Gokyo Outdoor Apparel and Lifestyles Pvt Ltd
2nd Runner Up: Club York
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