The Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) has opened registrations for the 2026 AACS Awards Program.
Established in 2012, the AACS Awards are regarded as the industry’s benchmark for best practice, innovation, and retail format development, recognising excellence across Australia’s convenience retail sector.
The program includes the AACS Peter Jowett Convenience Retail Award, Store of the Year, New Product Launch of the Year, and the Retailer Group and Supplier of the Year Awards.
Theo Foukkare, CEO of AACS, said the awards have been at the forefront in recognising and honouring excellence within the convenience retail industry.
Registration for the 2026 Peter Jowett Award, Store of the Year, and New Product Launch of the Year categories opened on 3 October 2025, with submissions due 20 February 2026. Finalists will be announced from 27 February through to 6 March 2026, depending on the category.
The Peter Jowett Award invites AACS members under 36 years old to present ideas addressing the question: “How should the convenience industry evolve to attract and retain the next generation of consumers while staying relevant to existing customers?”
Retailers and suppliers are also encouraged to participate in the Convenience Pulse program, which underpins judging for the Retailer Group and Supplier of the Year Awards through a 360-degree performance review.
For further information or to submit entries, members can contact Foukkare at theo@aacs.org.au or Zan Lewarn, Member Engagement Manager, at zan.lewarn@aacs.org.au.
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