Spark Whanganui was also named as a finalist for the Investment in People Award.
Retail NZ's general manager for public affairs, Greg Harford, said the Retail NZ Top Shop Awards are all about recognising outstanding retail success.
"Those who have been named as national finalists have got what it takes to shine through more than 600 entries nationally," Mr Harford said.
Finalists from the South Island were announced last month, and central and upper North Island finalists will be announced next week.
All the regional finalists will compete for national titles at a black tie gala dinner in Auckland on September 7.
Mr Harford said retail was a tough business and it required employees with special skills across a number of areas to be successful.
"It's great to see businesses from right across the lower North Island making the cut and being named as national finalists."
Category finalists from the lower North Island are:
Best Large Retailer Award finalists
KILT Napier
Glengarry Thorndon
Best Small Retailer Award finalists
ELLEN G, Lower Hutt
beauKayes florist, Taradale
Customer Experience Award finalists
Cruiseabout Wellington
KILT Sample Sale Seconds, Whanganui
Innovation Award finalist
Wellington Zoo Trust
Adulttoymegastore.co.nz, Wellington
Investment in People Award finalists
Cruiseabout Wellington
Spark Whanganui
Omnichannel Award finalists
Flight Centre Taranaki Street, Wellington
Grieve Diamond Jeweller, Hastings
KILT Napier
Beauty Bliss, Wellington
People's Choice Award finalists
Madame Fancy Pants, Wellington
Adulttoymegastore.co.nz, Wellington
Pureplay e-tailer award
Adulttoymegastore.co.nz, Wellington
Visual Merchandising Award finalists
Wallace Cotton Napier South
Wallace Cotton Wellington
Up & Coming Retailer Award finalists
Lania Rock, Trenery Wellington Airport
Kelly Entwhistle, Ziera Otaki