The Perfume Shop is celebrating after Karen Wilson, Store Manager at Hempstead Valley, has won Store Icon of the Year at the People in Retail Awards 2026.
Karen took home the award at the People in Retail Awards ceremony, recognising her outstanding contribution to her store, customers, colleagues and the wider Hempstead Valley community.
With more than 13 years at The Perfume Shop, Karen has become a much-loved figure within Hempstead Valley, building a store known not only for exceptional customer service, but for the genuine relationships she has created with customers and colleagues.
Widely recognised across the shopping centre, Karen has transformed The Perfume Shop into a trusted community destination where customers return time and again for expert advice, friendship and support. Her influence extends far beyond the store itself, working closely with neighbouring retailers, centre management and local charities to create meaningful connections and deliver a positive impact across the wider community.
Karen’s award also recognises her extraordinary leadership. Throughout one of the most challenging periods of her life following a medical diagnosis, she remained a source of inspiration for her team and customers, continuing to guide, support and motivate those around her. The strength of the relationships she has built was evident in the overwhelming support she received from customers, colleagues and the wider shopping centre community during her treatment.
Gill Smith, managing director at The Perfume Shop, said: “We couldn’t be prouder to see Karen named Store Icon of the Year. This award is a wonderful recognition of the impact she has made over more than 13 years, not only within The Perfume Shop but across the whole Hempstead Valley community. Karen has an incredible ability to make everyone who walks through her doors feel welcome and valued, and the relationships she has built with customers, colleagues and the wider community are testament to that. She embodies everything we want our stores and our people to represent, and we’re absolutely delighted to see her receive this recognition.”
The People in Retail Awards celebrate the individuals and teams making an outstanding contribution across the retail industry. Karen’s Store Icon of the Year win recognises the lasting impact she has made at The Perfume Shop and the special place she has created for customers and colleagues within the Hempstead Valley community.
