Local Retailer and colleague shortlisted for awards at next year’s Retail Week Awards

East of England Co-op has been shortlisted in the Best New Store (Small//Medium) category at next year’s Retail Week awards, for their trailblazing on-the-go format store at Ipswich Station. 

Located in the heart of Ipswich’s transport hub, the regional retailer’s 1,500 sq ft Ipswich Station Food store was designed from a blank canvas to deliver speed, simplicity and service. Every element of the layout and operation was shaped by a single goal: to provide a fast, frictionless shopping experience in a high footfall environment.   

The Ipswich Station Food store was also shortlisted for the Bricks and Mortar Innovation award and Technology Implementation award (UK) at the Retail Technology Innovation Hub awards, taking home the trophy with the latter for the East of England Co-op's work alongside tech partner Trust Retail. 

The East of England Co-op's Community Support Lead, Angela Carpenter, has also been shortlisted for the Community Heroes award, for her work leading initiatives that demonstrate the transformative positive local impact retail can have while living the values she fosters in colleagues. 

Last year, Angela launched Local Giving, an initiative born from her insight that colleagues possess unique knowledge of what matters most in their communities. Unlike top-down corporate charity support, Angela created a framework empowering store teams to identify and champion causes impacting their communities. This grassroots approach has resonated powerfully, raising over £100,000 for local and hyperlocal charities in the past year alone. 

Chief Executive Officer for the East of England Co-op, Andy Rigby said: “We’re very proud to have not only one of our Food stores recognised for its excellence but also one of our fantastic colleagues. 

“Ipswich Station has become the benchmark for innovation across our business. It proves that a simplified, tech-led format can deliver both exceptional customer service and operational excellence. By balancing modern convenience with community values, this store embodies the future of responsible, efficient, customer-focused retail, Ipswich Station represents a first-in-class, trailblazing new store in food retail. 

“There are no words to describe the impact Angela and her work is having on our local communities. Angela’s gift lies in recognising that meaningful impact comes from trusting colleagues to champion causes making a real difference in their local area.” 

Winners of the Retail Week Awards 2026 will be announced at the Marriott Grosvenor Hotel in London on Thursday 19 March 2026.