Leadership Awards – Retail Jeweller India Forum

AWARD CATEGORIES

Best Strategic and Integrated Marketing of the Year

Recognises excellence in building brand awareness and driving business through impactful, multi-channel marketing campaigns.
Entries must include a minimum of four touchpoints such as television, print, radio, OOH, social media, and experiential.
Submissions should clearly outline the campaign’s objective, consumer insight, creative idea, media plan, execution, and results.

Best Digital / Social Media Marketing of the Year

Honours achievements in business growth where digital was the lead medium.
Entries must detail the initiative’s objective, consumer insight, creative strategy, media plan, execution, and outcomes.
Digital marketing should account for at least 50% of total media spend in integrated campaigns.

Best Omni-Channel Brand of the Year

Celebrates brands that effectively integrated online and offline strategies to drive consumer engagement and sales.
Entries must highlight the initiative, call-to-action, and measurable performance outcomes.
Show how both offline and online were leveraged in tandem to enhance product/service discovery.

Best CSR Impact of the Year

Recognises brands that have gone beyond business to drive social impact through innovative, sustainable CSR initiatives.
Entries should showcase how the brand contributed to community development and positively impacted society and the environment.

Best Customer Experience of the Year

Honours innovations in enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction—digitally, physically, or both.
Entries must demonstrate practical, customer-centric solutions that pushed the boundaries of service and experience.

Best Workplace and People Welfare & Development

Celebrates initiatives that have fostered a strong people culture and enriched employee experience.
Submissions should detail efforts around engagement, team building, retention, well-being, and measurable impact on performance.

Emerging Retail Start-up of the Year

Recognises a retail start-up (less than 5 years old) showing remarkable year-on-year growth.
Entries must demonstrate consistent growth in customer base, brand awareness, conversions, and overall business.

Emerging E-Retail Start-up of the Year

Honours an e-retail start-up (less than 5 years old) with significant digital-first business expansion.
Entries must highlight growth across customers, brand visibility, conversions, and revenue.

Best Family-Managed Business

Recognises a brand (with less than 3 stores) that has undergone significant transformation through technology, new practices, and professionalism.
Entries must detail the specific initiatives and their measurable impact on operations, decision-making, and overall growth.

Emerging Online Commerce of the Year

Celebrates achievements in boosting a retail store’s online sales through focused strategy and innovation.
Entries must show year-on-year growth in online contribution (value and units) and increasing online customer traffic.

Best Technology Transformation of the Year

Recognises technology-led transformation implemented in the last year.
Entries must highlight the integration of IT in business planning, adoption of new technologies, R&D alignment, and measurable impact on operations and growth.

Best Customer Loyalty Programme of the Year

Honours innovative loyalty programmes that strengthen customer retention and repeat purchase.
Entries should highlight programme design (POS/wallet/e-commerce integration) and its effectiveness in boosting customer lifetime value.

Exemplary Value Creation for Shareholders

Celebrates the success of a publicly listed company in delivering returns to investors over the past year.
Entries must be supported by financial documents and market reports.

National Retail Chain of the Year

Recognises a national jewellery retail chain that has demonstrated major business growth and network expansion.
Entries should detail year-on-year growth, customer acquisition, staff initiatives, marketing programmes, and customer experience enhancements.

Young Leader of the Year

Honours a leader under 40 who has held a leadership role for at least 5 years and has driven business success through innovation.
Entries must highlight initiatives, strategy, and measurable outcomes under the nominee’s leadership.

Woman Leader of the Year

Recognises a woman leader who has made outstanding contributions in driving business growth and innovation over the past year.
Self-nominations are allowed, as well as nominations by companies or industry peers.

Debutant Innovator of the Year

Celebrates individuals who entered the jewellery business in the last 2–3 years and have introduced breakthrough innovations.
Entries must highlight the strategies and measurable business outcomes resulting from their efforts.

Visionary Leader of the Year

Honours a pioneering individual who has not only transformed their own business but also made significant contributions to the industry.
This is a non-nomination category selected based on peer referrals. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Lifetime Achievement in Retail

Recognises decades of exceptional contribution to the Indian retail jewellery industry.
This is a non-nomination category based on peer recommendations.

Special Contribution to the Indian Retail Jewellery Industry

Honours individuals for exemplary impact on the Indian gem and jewellery industry.
This is a non-nomination category determined by industry referrals.

Regional Chain of the Year

Celebrates a family-run business that has evolved into a professionally managed regional retail chain.
Entries must include year-on-year store expansion, customer growth, business growth, marketing, HR, and CX initiatives

Independent Retail Jeweller of the Year

Recognises growth achieved by an independent, family-run store (or stores within a single city) through professional management and innovation.
Entries must outline business expansion, customer acquisition, marketing, employee initiatives, and enhanced customer experience.

NOMINATE

Nominate yourself, a peer, or any deserving individual or organisation for recognition

NOMINATION PROCESS

To nominate yourself, a peer, or a company, please complete the official online nomination form.
All sections must be filled out for the nomination to be considered. You can upload supporting materials—such as high-resolution photos, videos, and documents—directly within the form.

NOMINATION TIMELINE

Timeline

10 December 2025

All nomination forms must be submitted online

27 December 2025.

Award finalists will be notified via email

7 January 2026

Finalists will be invited to attend the Awards Ceremony, where winners will be announced during a celebratory dinner.

30 November 2025

All nomination forms must be submitted online

27 December 2025.

Award finalists will be notified via email

7 January 2026

Finalists will be invited to attend the Awards Ceremony, where winners will be announced during a celebratory dinner.

30 November 2025

All nomination forms must be submitted online

27 December 2025.

Award finalists will be notified via email

7 January 2026

Finalists will be invited to attend the Awards Ceremony, where winners will be announced during a celebratory dinner.

AWARD CRITERIA

Eligibility: Nominations are open to retail jewellery shop owners.
Past Winners: Winners from 2025 are not eligible to nominate themselves in the same category but may apply in other categories.
Multiple Nominations: There is no limit to the number of individuals that can be nominated. A separate form must be submitted for each nominee.
Self-Nominations: Self-nominations are welcome.
Event Attendance: All nominees, nominators, and recipients are encouraged to attend the Awards Ceremony on 7 January 2026.
Nomination Form: Complete the official online nomination form, including a written statement outlining the nominee’s contributions and achievements.
Supporting Materials: Upload high-resolution photos of the nominee, property, or team, along with any supporting documents.
Video Nominations: Want to submit a recorded nomination? Contact us for details.

ENTRY PROCESS

Eligibility

Open globally to retail jewellery companies, brands, or individuals with a walk-in retail outlet active in India. Appointment-only stores are not eligible.
Mainstream manufacturers are not permitted.
Self-nominations are allowed.
There is no limit to the number of nominations; however, separate forms must be submitted for each.

Entry Guidelines

Each category has specific criteria. Submissions must adhere to these to be considered.
Entries may be submitted in multiple categories; no additional fee is required per category.
All entries must be submitted online only via: www.retailjewellerindiaforum.com/awards
The nomination form must be fully completed, including a 300-word statement detailing contributions and achievements.
Upload high-resolution images, videos, and self-attested supporting documents as required.
All submissions must be in English.
Provide a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) with each application.
Incomplete entries or missing documents will lead to disqualification.

Fees & Deadlines

Participation Fee: ₹50,000 + 18% GST (non-refundable)
Entries without fee payment will not be considered.
Submission Deadline: 10 December 2025
Late submissions may be accepted at the discretion of the Awards Management.
Once submitted, entries cannot be modified.

Judging & Verification

Awards Management and an independent jury will review all eligible entries.

The jury reserves the right to:

Verify provided information
Request additional documentation
Disqualify entries with incorrect or misleading claims
False information at any stage will result in disqualification and return of any awards conferred.
Awards Management may contact references listed in the form for verification.

Awards Process & Communication

Finalists will be notified via email in December 2025.
Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on 7 January 2026.
Winners must provide required documents within 30 days of notification.
A maximum of three contact attempts will be made. Non-response may result in forfeiture.
Awards not claimed within 30 days will be forfeited.

Use of Submitted Content

By participating, nominees grant Awards Management the right to use submitted content for publicity in:
- Websites, social media, press, trade publications, and event promotions
Content may be edited and displayed in full or part.

Prohibited Activities

Participants must not:

Upload viruses, malware, or malicious code
Attempt unauthorized access or disrupt the site/server
Tamper with entry processes or data

Legal Terms

Participation does not guarantee selection or recognition.
Awards Management reserves the right to amend, withdraw, or cancel the Awards at any stage.
All decisions by the jury or Awards Management are final and binding.
Any disputes will be governed by Indian law, with jurisdiction in Mumbai.
For queries, contact SPOC: Laxmi Gupta – 77383 52502

GUIDELINES FOR ENTRY

Terms and Conditions of Entry

Entry is open globally to any retail jewellery company, brand, or individual with a retail outlet for walk-in (not appointment-only) customers, provided they are active in India.
No mainstream manufacturer is permitted to participate in the Awards.
Each category has specific description criteria, which the entrant must adhere to. Submissions that do not comply will be disqualified.
Submissions may be entered into multiple categories. No separate entry fee will be charged for additional categories.
All entries and documents must be submitted within the deadline. Under no circumstances will the deadline be extended.
Details of a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) must be provided with the submissions.
Once submitted, applications cannot be modified until the final selection process.
Application fees, once paid, are non-refundable.
Without payment of the application fee, the company/individual will not be allowed to participate.

Receipt of Entries

Participants can apply for the Awards by logging on to retailjewellerindiaforum.com/awards/ and completing the application form online, along with supporting documents.
The last date for receiving completed applications is December 20, 2025.
Late applications may be accepted only at the sole discretion of the Awards Management.
Awards Management will not be responsible for applications received in an incorrect format, late, corrupted, or unreadable files.

Application

Each entry must be submitted electronically together with a completed application form.
The form must include information for all required fields. All category-specific questions must be answered.
Answers must not exceed 300 words per question.
All applications must be completed in English.
All supporting documents must be submitted as per the mandate. Missing documents will result in disqualification from that category.
All supporting documents must be self-attested.
Incomplete applications will result in disqualification. For queries, please contact the organizer’s SPOC: Laxmi Gupta, +91 77383 52502, laxmi.gupta@retailjewellerindia.com.

General

Participants agree they are legally capable of entering and, if selected, participating in the Awards and accept these Terms & Conditions.
Participation in the Awards does not guarantee winning or any other form of entitlement.
Participants are solely responsible for handling any infringement or alleged infringement and shall indemnify the Awards Management from any claims, costs, or damages.
By entering, participants grant the Awards Management a royalty-free, irrevocable, worldwide, non-transferable, non-exclusive right and license to use, display, and publish the entry for Awards-related purposes, including in trade publications, press releases, and electronic/website formats.
Awards Management reserves the right to withdraw, amend, or add to the Terms & Conditions at any time. It is not responsible for any loss or damage suffered as a result of participating or attempting to participate in the Awards.
All disputes shall be governed by Indian law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Mumbai, India.
Matters not covered herein will be decided by the Awards Management or an independent body/legal team as deemed necessary.

Prohibited Activities

Participants are prohibited from:

Uploading viruses, malware, spyware, corrupted files, or similar harmful software.
Using the website to damage, disable, overburden, or impair servers or networks.
Attempting unauthorized access to the site, accounts, systems, or data through hacking, password mining, or other means.
Attempting to obtain materials or information not intentionally made available through the site.

Validity and Correctness of Information

If, at any time (including after the Awards ceremony), any information provided is found to be false, the participant will be disqualified and required to return any Award(s) and monetary benefits received. Legal action may also be taken.
The Jury and Awards Management will determine whether the information is fair and accurate.
Awards Management has the right to request proof or audit information. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
Awards Management may contact references provided in the application to verify submitted information.

Winner Declaration

The Awards Management reserves the right to offer or withdraw awards, rewards, or gratifications at any time, including post-announcement.
Awards Management may, but is not obliged to, publish participant submissions.
Participants confirm that all details furnished are true and complete. False or misleading information will result in disqualification and indemnification of the Awards Management.
Participants authorize the Awards Management to use submitted content in trade publications, press releases, social media, and other formats.
Awards Management may disqualify participants at its sole discretion, without obligation to notify unsuccessful entrants.
Awards Management is not responsible for unsuccessful winner notifications due to call drops, poor reception, undelivered emails, or similar issues.
Awards Management may replace disqualified or unresponsive winners with the next eligible participant.
Winners will be contacted within 15 days of declaration. A maximum of 3 attempts will be made. Failure to respond will result in forfeiture.
The registered email address will be used for winner identification. Failure to provide valid proof of identity may lead to disqualification.
Awards Management will make reasonable efforts to contact winners but cannot guarantee success.
Awards Management has no liability if a participant cannot take part or is disqualified for any reason.
Awards Management reserves the right to replace winners at its discretion, even if they were previously eliminated.
Any tampering with the website, servers, or databases will lead to disqualification and potential legal action.
Delivery of Awards will be as determined by the Awards Management. Refusal to accept will result in forfeiture.
Awards not claimed within 30 days will be forfeited.
Winners must provide attested copies of valid government-issued photo ID and other required documents.
Award delivery delays due to force majeure or government restrictions will not be the responsibility of Awards Management.
Winners agree not to hold the Awards Management liable for disputes arising from awards.
Awards Management reserves the right to withhold awards in cases of fraud, dishonesty, or non-entitlement.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

General guidelines for award assessment

All submissions must reflect achievements, initiatives, and measurable outcomes during the period from 1st October 2024 to 30th September 2025 only.
The list of supporting documents mentioned under each award category is indicative only. Nominees are encouraged to submit any other relevant documents that they believe strengthen their case and support evaluation.
For quantitative criteria, submissions must include numbers backed by high-quality evidence, which is verifiable through supporting documents
For qualitative criteria, write-ups/case studies/other relevant documents should clearly articulate impact, innovation, and intent, and be backed by high-quality evidence

1. Best Strategic and Integrated Marketing of the year

Nominees should consider a series of integrated marketing campaigns executed during the period 1st October 2024 to 30th September 2025.
Campaigns should demonstrate a strategic and integrated approach across multiple platforms (e.g., TV, print, radio, digital, in-store, influencer, social media).
A suggested list of analytics platforms which can be used to extract and submit campaign performance data (e.g. analytics reports/screenshots) for online campaigns are Meta Business Suite, Instagram insights, Google Analytics, YouTube Studio, Adobe Analytics, TikTok Ads Manager and other e-commerce dashboards such as Shopify, Magento etc.
Quantitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- Campaign analytics reports/screenshots mentioning engagement rate, calculated as: (likes + shares) / (impressions)
- Campaign analytics reports/screenshots mentioning website traffic from campaigns.
- Media release reports mentioning count of media touchpoints activated across TV, print, radio, out-of-home (OOH), and experiential channels.
- POS reports or Sales MIS dashboard reports/screenshots showing impact on business, including sales revenue growth and volume growth, comparing the campaign period with the same period last year.
Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- Creative samples or campaign videos that demonstrate creativity and innovation in concept, execution, and use of media and formats.
- Testimonials or post-campaign surveys that highlight impact created beyond sales — for example, improvements in brand recall.

2. Best Digital/Social Media Marketing of the year

Nominees should consider campaigns executed during the period 1st October 2024 to 30th September 2025 and could select the most impactful campaign that best demonstrates strategic thinking, creativity, and measurable business results.
A suggested list of analytics platforms which can be used to extract and submit campaign performance data (e.g. analytics reports/screenshots) for online campaigns are Meta Business Suite, Instagram insights, Google Analytics, YouTube Studio, Adobe Analytics, TikTok Ads Manager and other e-commerce dashboards such as Shopify, Magento etc.
Quantitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- Campaign analytics reports/screenshots mentioning engagement rate calculated as (likes + comments + shares) / (impressions).
- Social media analytics reports/screenshots showing website traffic from campaigns.
- Social media analytics reports/screenshots comparing growth in social media followers before and after the campaign period.
- POS reports or Sales MIS dashboard reports/screenshots comparing sales during the campaign period against the previous period.
Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- A writeup with objectives, platform used, campaign format, engagement metrics, and outcome achieved for new initiatives implemented and measurable results achieved.

3. Best Omni Channel Brand of the year

Quantitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- Annual reports, quarterly results, or Sales MIS reports mentioning revenue growth (%).
Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- A write-up highlighting the strategic intent/objective, design of customer journey, and impact observed for strategic integration of customer touchpoints and operational channels (e.g., physical stores, website, mobile app, logistics etc.).
- Customer testimonials for assessment of customer satisfaction.
- 1–2 page write-up mentioning the key strategy, screenshots or visuals of integrated customer journeys, summary of initiatives, and customer feedback for new initiatives implemented and measurable results achieved.

4. Best CSR impact of the year

Quantitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- Audited CSR reports mentioning CSR spend as a percentage of revenue.
- HR participation reports mentioning employee participation rate in CSR, i.e., proportion of employees who engaged in CSR activities during the period.
Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- A write-up on the CSR initiatives and customer engagement strategy used, along with data showing cause-linked purchases, media reports, or testimonials for customer participation in CSR initiatives (e.g., active donations, cause-linked purchases, volunteering etc.)
- Photos and impact assessment reports highlighting sustainability and innovation within CSR initiatives, including design, methods of implementation, reach, and impact created.

5. Best customer experience of the year

Quantitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- Survey report (CSAT, NPS) or app ratings mentioning customer satisfaction score.
- CRM reports or loyalty program data mentioning repeat purchase rate, i.e., proportion of customers who made additional purchases during the period.
Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- A write-up mentioning the key objectives and results achieved, such as customer journey improvements, service innovation, or tech adoption impact, for new initiatives implemented and measurable results achieved.

6. Best Workplace, people welfare and development

Quantitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- HR reports (payroll, attrition) mentioning employee retention rate, i.e., percentage of employees retained during the period.
- Training logs, annual training plan, or LMS reports mentioning training hours per employee, i.e., average learning time invested in developing staff capabilities.
- HR policy documents or benefit enrollment reports mentioning percentage of employees enrolled in benefits and welfare schemes.
Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- 1–2 page write-up mentioning the key objectives and results achieved for new initiatives implemented and measurable results achieved.

7. Emerging Retail Start-up of the year

Quantitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- Financial statements or GST filings mentioning YoY revenue growth (in %).
- CRM reports or loyalty program data mentioning growth in unique customers YoY.
- Financial statements (P&L) mentioning YoY profit growth (in %).
Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- 1–2 page write-up detailing objectives, strategy implemented, and outcomes achieved for new initiatives implemented and measurable results achieved.

8. Emerging E-Retail Start-up of the year

Quantitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- e-commerce platform revenue reports or annual reports mentioning online revenue growth (in %).
- Order management system reports or internal MIS reports mentioning order growth (in %) — increase in the number of orders placed.
- CRM reports mentioning new customer growth (in %) — rate at which first-time buyers increased during the period.
- e-commerce platform reports or analytics mentioning cart abandonment rate, calculated as (abandoned carts ÷ initiated carts) × 100.
Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- 1–2 page write-up including platform screenshots, feature-walkthrough documents, benefits realized, and user testimonials for new strategies adopted for innovation in e-commerce experience, e.g., video consultations, assisted WhatsApp shopping, vernacular UX, progressive web app (PWA).

9. Best family-managed business of the year

Quantitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- Audited financial statements or annual/quarterly reports mentioning revenue growth (%), EBIDTA change, and profit growth (%) YoY.
Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- 1–2 page write-up on the initiative design, objectives, and impact realized for new initiatives implemented and measurable results achieved, including transformation in operations and customer perception (e.g., introduction of new processes for operational efficiency, standardized policies, better customer service etc.).

10. Emerging online commerce of the year

Quantitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- Annual reports or investor presentations mentioning online sales growth (in %).
- Annual reports or investor presentations mentioning online sales contribution (in %) — share of total revenue coming from online channels.
- Analytics reports or platform screenshots showing growth in website/app traffic, including sessions and unique visitors compared across periods.
- e-commerce dashboard or MIS reports mentioning online conversion rate, calculated as (online purchases ÷ website visits) × 100.
Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- 1–2 page write-up capturing the strategy, execution, impact story, including customer feedback or reviews, for new initiatives implemented and measurable results achieved.

11. Best Technology transformation of the year

Quantitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- Internal financial reports, ROI calculations, or investor presentations quantifying return on investment attributed to tech adoption, including the impact on sales growth, profit growth, footfall increase, leads generated, and turnaround time (TAT) reduction.
Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- 1–2 page write-up capturing the details of the new technology or innovative initiative implemented, including strategy, execution, and measurable results achieved in alignment with the goals.

12. Best customer loyalty program of the year

Quantitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- CRM reports or POS loyalty enrolment reports mentioning repeat purchase rate, i.e., customers who made additional purchases within the period.
Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- Feature demos, videos, or photos showcasing innovation in the loyalty program, e.g., referrals, gamification, PWA/app integration, experiential rewards.
- Training calendars or LMS attendance reports highlighting store enablement and training of the sales team.

13. Exemplary value creation for shareholders

Quantitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- Annual or quarterly reports or investor presentations mentioning earnings per share (EPS) growth.
- Annual or quarterly reports or investor presentations mentioning return on equity (ROE) YoY change.
Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- AGM speech or letters to investors highlighting clarity in capital allocation, including transparent frameworks for dividends, buybacks, risk management, and reinvestment.
- Corporate governance reports demonstrating strong governance and minority shareholder friendliness, e.g., board independence and whistle-blower mechanisms.

14. National Retail Chain of the Year

Quantitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- Financial statements or GST filings mentioning revenue growth YoY (%).
- Investor presentations, Sales MIS dashboard, or POS reports mentioning volume growth (%), in terms of units sold or weight of gold sold.
- Financial statements or quarterly results mentioning YoY change in EBITDA and profit growth.
- Investor presentations, Sales MIS screenshots, or POS reports mentioning Average Bill Value (ABV) growth, calculated as total sales divided by number of transactions, compared with the same period last year.
- Annual reports, investor presentations, company website bulletins/screenshots, or media reports mentioning new store growth, i.e., count of new stores added across regions compared to last year.
- Annual reports, investor presentations, company website bulletins/screenshots, or media reports mentioning same store sales growth (%), measuring YoY sales growth from existing stores.
- CRM reports mentioning growth in unique customers YoY, indicating market reach and acquisition effectiveness.
Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- 1–2 page write-up including campaign objectives, platforms used, measurable impact created, supported with campaign reports/analytics screenshots, case studies, or testimonials for national marketing campaigns – impact story (brand level).
- Customer testimonials on app or website, or NPS/CSAT survey results for customer service excellence.
- 1–2 page write-up highlighting the strategy, details of the initiative, and the impact created for new initiatives implemented and measurable results achieved, linking actions to outcomes.

15. Regional retail chain of the year

Quantitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- Financial statements or GST filings mentioning revenue growth YoY (%).
- Investor presentations, Sales MIS dashboard, or POS reports mentioning volume growth (%), in terms of units sold or weight of gold sold.
- Financial statements or quarterly results mentioning YoY change in EBITDA and profit growth.
- Investor presentations, Sales MIS screenshots, or POS reports mentioning Average Bill Value (ABV) growth, calculated as total sales divided by number of transactions, compared with the same period last year.
- Annual reports, investor presentations, company website bulletins/screenshots, or media reports mentioning new store growth, i.e., count of new stores added across regions compared to last year.
- Annual reports, investor presentations, company website bulletins/screenshots, or media reports mentioning same store sales growth (%), measuring YoY sales growth from existing stores.
- CRM reports mentioning growth in unique customers YoY, indicating market reach and acquisition effectiveness.
Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- 1–2 page write-up including campaign objectives, platforms used, measurable impact created, supported with campaign reports/analytics screenshots, case studies, or testimonials for regional marketing campaigns – impact story.
- Customer testimonials on app or website, or NPS/CSAT survey results for customer service excellence.
- 1–2 page write-up highlighting the strategy, details of the initiative, and the impact created for new initiatives implemented and measurable results achieved, linking actions to outcomes.

16. Independent Retail Jeweller of the Year

Quantitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- Financial statements or GST filings mentioning revenue growth YoY (%).
- Quarterly investor presentations, annual reports, or other company disclosures mentioning revenue per square foot.
Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- NPS/CSAT scores or customer testimonials for measure of customer satisfaction.
- 1–2 page write-up highlighting the strategy, details of the initiative, and the impact created during the period for new initiatives implemented and results achieved, linking actions to outcomes.

17. Young leader of the year

Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- 1–2 page write-up on the leadership journey and initiatives undertaken, such as digital transformation, sustainability, or crisis management, for new initiatives implemented and measurable results achieved, linking actions to outcomes.
- A write-up on industry associations or participation in sector initiatives or notable media mentions for industry impact.

18. Debutant innovator of the year

Qualitative Criteria and an indicative list of documents to be shared
- 1–2 page write-up capturing the details for new initiatives implemented and measurable results achieved, linking actions to outcomes.
- 1–2 page write-up or case study capturing the details for impact of initiatives on business growth, customer experience, or operational efficiency.

19. Visionary Leader of the year

Recognizes pioneering leadership in leading not only the individual business but also paving the way for the industry in unprecedented ways.
This category does not invite any nominations and is based on referrals from industry peers. No individual can self-nominate.

20. Lifetime achievement in retail

Honoring a retail luminary for decades of extraordinary achievement in the Indian Retail Jewellery industry.
This category does not invite any nominations and is based on referrals from industry peers. No individual can self-nominate.

21. Special contribution to the Indian Retail Jewellery industry

Honoring an individual for his/her exemplary contribution to the Indian gem and jewellery industry.
This category does not invite any nominations and is based on referrals from industry peers. No individual can self-nominate.

FINAL CRITERIA

Best Strategic and Integrated Marketing Brand of the Year

What key campaigns were initiated in the last calendar year (2025)?
Provide details of the campaigns: objectives, value proposition, creative idea, communication, media plan, execution, effectiveness, and results.
Does the brand have multichannel marketing integration (offline and online)?
What was the total number of customers engaged through campaigns (new and existing)?
What was the percentage change in sales revenue due to marketing strategies, and how was this impact measured

Best Digital / Social Media Marketing Brand of the Year

How many innovative social media campaigns were launched in 2025?
How many of these were exclusive digital campaigns (not part of integrated marketing)?
Provide details of key campaigns: objectives, value proposition, creative idea, communication, digital media plan, effectiveness, engagement, and offline conversions.
On which social media platforms does the brand have a presence?
What percentage of engaged users converted into customers?

Best Omni-channel Brand of the Year

How flexible is customer buying across online, offline, or mixed channels?
What is the total customer engagement using multiple channels?
What number of tickets/invoices were fulfilled using mixed channels?
Are platforms integrated for a unified view across channels (offline and online)?
What percentage of offline inventory is displayed online for sale

Best CSR Impact Brand of the Year

Is the CSR mission and vision aligned with business objectives?
What percentage of revenue was committed to CSR in 2025?
How many sustained CSR initiatives were executed last year?
What was the overall impact on brand equity (revenue, profit, visibility)?

Best Customer Experience Brand of the Year

What was the total number of footfalls (online + in-store) in 2025?
What customer segments/personas does the brand serve?
How streamlined is the buying journey across purchase, payment, and support?
What innovative solutions/services enhance customer experience?

Best Workplace & People Welfare Award

Does the brand offer flexible working hours?
What employee wellness and healthcare programs exist, and how frequent are they?
How are employees recognized for their contributions?
How is workplace safety ensured (e.g., women’s safety, newcomer protection)?

Emerging Retail Start-up of the Year

When and where did the first retail store launch?
What is the current customer base (online and offline) and its year-on-year growth?
What market gaps or insights led to the launch?
How has market share and reach increased in the last year?

Emerging E-Retail Start-up of the Year

When did the brand launch online operations?
What market gap was identified?
How has the online market share grown in 2025?
What successful initiatives drove awareness and sales?

Best Family-Managed Business

What changes have modernized traditional business approaches?
How does the business align with family culture and values?
How is succession planning handled?
What is the annual turnover (revenue and profit)

Emerging Online Commerce Brand of the Year

When did the brand begin e-commerce operations?
What percentage of store inventory is available online?
How many new customers were acquired online in 2025?
What percentage of sales is driven through e-commerce platforms

Best Technology Transformation Brand of the Year

What is the brand’s track record in digital transformation?
What technologies (AI, ML, blockchain, IoT, cloud) are used?
What disruptive innovations were created in 2025?
How has technology improved data-driven analysis and decision-making?

Best Customer Loyalty Program of the Year

How many loyalty programs exist?
What percentage of customers are loyalty members?
What innovative rewards are offered to loyal customers?
Has the brand received recognition for loyalty programs

Exemplary Value Creation for Shareholders

How has share value increased in 2025?
What product/service innovations benefited shareholders?
What risk management measures are in place?
What is the annual turnover and profit distribution

National Retail Chain of the Year

How many retail stores exist in India, and what are their sales/revenue figures?
What is the regional distribution of stores?
What percentage of market share does the brand hold nationally?
What CSR/community engagement was undertaken nationally?