Paper Starlights recognised in national retail awards

We’re delighted to share that Paper Starlights has been shortlisted for Retail Partner of the Year at The People in Retail Awards 2026.

This national recognition means so much to us because the category celebrates suppliers, service providers and partner businesses that support retailers with a people-first approach. For Paper Starlights, that has always been at the heart of what we do.

From independent shops and heritage venues to Christmas markets, cultural retailers, event stylists and wholesale stockists, we work closely with our retail partners to help them create meaningful displays, memorable customer experiences and products that bring people together.

You can see the official 2026 finalists on The People in Retail Awards website.

What are The People in Retail Awards?

The People in Retail Awards celebrate the individuals, teams and businesses helping to shape a stronger, kinder and more people-focused retail industry.

The Retail Partner of the Year category recognises organisations that go beyond simply supplying products or services. It highlights partners that support retailers with care, collaboration, innovation and a genuine commitment to helping others thrive.

To be shortlisted in this category is a proud moment for our small team in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, and a lovely recognition of the relationships we have built across the retail sector.

Why this shortlist matters to Paper Starlights

Paper Starlights has been sharing handmade paper star lanterns since 1996. Over the years, our stars have found homes in independent shops, Christmas markets, visitor attractions, cathedrals, cultural venues, garden centres, gift stores and public installations across the UK and beyond.

But this shortlist is about more than the product.

It recognises the way we work with people.

Our retail partnerships are built on trust, flexibility and understanding. We know that retail can be fast-moving, seasonal and sometimes unpredictable. That is why we aim to support our partners with thoughtful product ranges, clear communication, reliable fulfilment and practical advice based on nearly 30 years of experience selling paper star lanterns.

Whether we are helping a shop select the right star designs for their customers, supporting a Christmas market stall with stock planning, or working with a venue on a bespoke decorative display, our goal is always the same: to make the process feel easier, warmer and more inspiring.

Supporting retailers with handmade products and meaningful displays

Our handmade paper star lanterns are designed to create atmosphere. They are lightweight, foldable and easy to display, making them a popular choice for retailers looking for products with visual impact and strong storytelling potential.

Each star is handmade by skilled artisans in India, using traditional techniques and beautiful paper designs. They can be displayed as decorative stars or paired with suitable LED lighting to create a warm, magical glow.

For our retail partners, Paper Starlights offers:

• A distinctive handmade product range with strong seasonal appeal
• Wholesale support for independent shops, heritage venues and gift retailers
• Christmas market experience and product knowledge built over many years
• Decorative display ideas for retail spaces, events and public buildings
• A values-led approach rooted in creativity, connection and craftsmanship

Our stars are often chosen because they help retailers create a sense of wonder. They invite customers to pause, look up and feel part of something special.

A people-first approach to retail partnerships

Being shortlisted for Retail Partner of the Year feels especially meaningful because Paper Starlights has always believed that good retail is about people.

It is about the makers who craft each star by hand.
It is about the shop teams who bring displays to life.
It is about the customers choosing something beautiful for their homes, celebrations and communities.
It is about the partners, market teams and venues who trust us to help them create memorable experiences.

We are proud to work with retailers and organisations who share our values around creativity, sustainability, thoughtful design and genuine human connection.

Thank you to our team, makers and retail partners

This shortlist is a shared achievement.

Thank you to our small but mighty Paper Starlights team, to our makers in India, to our Christmas market teams, and to every retailer, stockist and venue that has chosen to work with us.

Your support has helped Paper Starlights grow from a Christmas market favourite into a trusted retail partner for shops, cultural spaces, events and installations across the UK and internationally.

We are honoured to be shortlisted for The People in Retail Awards 2026 and proud to stand alongside other organisations making a positive contribution to the retail industry.

The awards ceremony will take place in London on Thursday 24 September 2026, and we will be keeping everything crossed.