retailmediaIQ hosts Retailer of the Year awards in New York

NEW YORK — On Thursday evening, retailmediaIQ, publisher of Mass Market Retailers and Chain Drug Review, brought together senior executives and industry stakeholders for its annual Retailer of the Year awards event at Public Hotel, celebrating excellence across multiple retail sectors. The Host sponsors were The Emerson Group and Cleanlogic. E.T. Browne was the Platinum sponsor.

For over 40 years, retailmediaIQ has hosted this annual ceremony, bringing together industry leaders to recognize top Retailer and Supplier Executives in food, drug, and mass merchandise channels for their leadership, innovation, success, and contributions.

This year’s honorees were Ulta Beauty as Specialty Retailer of the Year, Dollar General as Mass Retailer of the Year, CVS Pharmacy as Drug Retailer of the Year and Sprouts Farmers Market as Specialty Grocer of the Year, reflecting leadership across beauty, value retail, healthcare and grocery.

Held in the swanky Lower East Side venue, Thursday’s event honored category leaders spanning beauty, mass retail, drug and grocery, underscoring the evolving strategies shaping today’s omnichannel marketplace. Editor-in-Chief Jeff Woldt presented the awards.

The evening featured award presentations and remarks from company representatives, reinforcing themes that have defined retail over the past year, including experiential formats, digital integration, health and wellness positioning, and value-driven strategies.

Each honoree reflected a different but equally important dimension of the modern retail landscape, from experiential beauty and value-driven merchandising to healthcare access and health-focused grocery innovation.

The event also served as a networking forum for executives across retail, supplier and service organizations, reflecting the continued importance of collaboration as the industry navigates shifting consumer expectations and competitive dynamics.

Following the award ceremony, The Emerson Group hosted the Emerson After Party.

Ulta Beauty - Specialty Retailer of the Year

Ulta Beauty was recognized as the Specialty Retailer of the Year following a year of transformation driven by its “Ulta Beauty Unleashed” strategy, which highlighted experiential retail and supplier engagement. The company hosted around 33,000 in-store events throughout the year, solidifying its status as a destination for discovery and connection. Natalie Navaree, vice president of public relations and social media at Ulta Beauty, accepted the award.

Dollar General - Mass Retailer of the Year

Dollar General, named Mass Retailer of the Year, was recognized for its disciplined “Back to Basics” approach under CEO Todd Vasos, emphasizing operational simplicity, value, and community relevance. The retailer continues to scale aggressively, now operating more than 21,000 stores across the U.S. and Mexico. Its 2025 expansion included hundreds of new store openings and extensive remodel activity, with a growing emphasis on fresh food offerings. COO Emily Taylor accepted the award on the company’s behalf.

CVS Pharmacy - Drug Retailer of the Year

CVS Pharmacy received the Drug Retailer of the Year award, reflecting its ongoing transformation into a healthcare-centered retail model. With approximately 9,000 locations and a robust digital ecosystem, the company has established itself as a key access point for both clinical services and everyday health needs. Musab Balbale, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer at CVS Health, accepted the award from Luigi Fata, vice president of Sales at E.T. Browne, the Platinum sponsor of the Retailer of the Year awards.

Sprouts Farmers Market - Specialty Grocer of the Year

Sprouts Farmers Market was named Specialty Grocer of the Year for its focused approach on health-conscious consumers and its distinctive merchandising strategy. The company has sharpened its positioning around fresh, healthful products, emphasizing organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO options. Its store format, featuring fresh produce and open layouts, supports that identity. CEO Jack Sinclair accepted the award.