A CELEBRATION OF INNOVATION
CATEGORIES
FOR PROJECTS COMPLETED IN 2022
Sustainable display
Sponsored by Antalis
Climate change and other environmental problems demand an urgent and coherent response from the retail industry. Sustainable materials and design are no longer considered the inferior choice, they can enhance the in-store experience.
The judges are looking for a display that clearly pushes the boundaries to create a solution that is environmentally friendly and affordable without compromising on quality. The scheme must utilise sustainable and/or recycled materials. Demonstrate what happens to the display after life end – can it be re-used/recycled?
Seasonal or temporary display
A display scheme that could be installed and taken out with ease for a seasonal promotion. Demonstrate how the scheme met the brief, and what were the benefits to the retailer in terms of logistics and any in-store challenges. How did the installation reflect the brand and the promotional campaign? The scheme can be Christmas, Easter, Pride, Black Friday etc.
Graphics, signage and wayfinding
Sponsored by Zest Visual Advertising
Signs and/or graphics used to create clear communication within store. Demonstrate how the project balances communicating information effectively whilst demonstrating brand values in their best light.
VM Scheme
Does the scheme complement the brand and products on display? Show originality, creativity, storytelling and flair in visual merchandising. This category covers both windows and in-store schemes.
Innovative Display product
Goods and services can be displayed to highlight their features and benefits. How does the display attract, engage and motivate the customer towards making a purchase?
Technology
As retail embraces transformation, technology plays a key role in-store.
Demonstrate how the technology enhances the retail store and enriches the customer experience.
Pop-up store
Pop-up retail is the temporary use of physical space to create a long term, lasting impression with potential customers. Does the pop-up communicate the brand's ethos through the use of a unique and engaging physical environment while creating an immersive shopping experience? Demonstrate how the scheme pushed the boundaries for the brand, such as strong social media following and an uptake in sales.
Store-in-store or concession
A store-in-store concept or concession that stands out from the crowd. Needs to reflect the brand effectively while complementing the overall surroundings of the store.
Food, Beverage and Supermarket
Open to food retailers of all sizes, whether a supermarket or specialist store, you need to demonstrate excellence in design and layout.
Discuss any innovations such as merchandising initiatives, marketing techniques, or improvements to the instore environment.
Bar and Restaurant Design
Bar/Restaurant fit-outs and refurbishments from within the last 12 months that deliver an inspirational environment. Demonstrate how the design and architecture enhance the F&B space, creates a unique customer experience and encourages repeat custom.
Shopfitting/Fit-Out
An environment that shows the highest standard of shopfitting or fit-out including quality of craftsmanship and detail, all specific to budget, design and specification. we accept entries from retail, leisure and hospitality environments.
Independent store (max 3 stores)
Sponsored by SaveTheHighStreet.org
This award highlights the value of innovative design within independent retail. Demonstrate what makes the store stand out in the community; how does it stand out amongst competitors?
Retail Experience
Moving away from store design, this award focuses on the customer experience, creating a memorable, enriching and engaging environment for shoppers. Looking at experiences that help retailers stand out against competitors, encouraging shoppers to return. This category is open to permanent and temporary stores, pop-ups and concessions.
Overall store collaboration
(supplier, designer and retailer)
Sponsored by IPOS
New stores, refurbishments or new concepts opened in the last 12 months that demonstrate clear communication and collaboration between suppliers, designers and the retailer throughout the whole design process, from planning to completion. Provide details of achievements in terms of build, finish and translating design ideas.
Store Design of the Year
Store fit-outs and refurbishments from within the last 12 months, delivering an inspirational environment for today’s consumers. Demonstrate how the store design benefits the shopper journey throughout the space, enhances the retail brand, encourages dwell time and ultimately sales.
Leisure and Visitor Attraction
Landlords and developers are increasingly adapting their space to accommodate a range of social entertainment venues. From favourites such as cinemas, bingo, and bowling, new schemes have emerged such as table tennis, football, and crazy golf; all updated for the Instagram generation. Demonstrate how the design and architecture enhance the space, create a unique experience and elevate the retail location.