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#creativeretailawards

The Creative Retail Awards are much more than a mere accolade; they represent a pinnacle of achievement in the retail industry. Garnering a nomination or winning one of these awards is a testament to innovation, excellence, and leadership.

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Please provide your contact information to enable us to keep you informed about your submission and the event details.

SUBMIT

Provide a submission of up to 500 words through our easy-to-navigate online form, providing key details.

EVIDENCE

You are encouraged to upload supporting materials such as images, videos, PDFs, and social media posts.

INFORMATION

CRITERIA & PRICING

1. Eligibility – Entries must have been installed or completed between 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

2. Read the category criteria carefully and refer back to this in your answer.

3. Keep to the word count (500 words).

4. Attach supporting material – Statistics, photographs, videos and testimonials.
 
5. The same project can be entered in more than one category. 

6. Entries may be moved into an alternative category if deemed more appropriate.

7. The judges and organisers’ decisions are final.

8. Where applicable, entries will be invalid without full payment prior to judging

9. Shortlisted entries will be contacted after the judging process is complete.

10. Winners will be announced at the Creative Retail Awards.

  • Retailers – Free of charge
  • SDEA Members – Free of charge (Max 5 per category)
  • NAS Members – Free of charge to enter Best Shopfitting/Fit-Out Award, £125.00+VAT on all other categories.
  • Non-SDEA/NAS Members – £125.00+VAT per entry into a category.

Once your entry has been completed we will send an invoice for payment.  This can be paid by card or bank transfer. Failure to pay will result in your entry being disqualified from the judging process. You can view our full terms and conditions here.
 
If you need advice on your entry please contact [email protected] or call SDEA on +44 (0)1883 348911

2025 CRA Categories

You have the option to participate in one or several categories. Ensure that your submission is tailored specifically to each category you choose to enter.

Design Agency of the Year

The "Design Agency of the Year" award represents the pinnacle of achievement in the retail design industry, offering unparalleled recognition for agencies that set the gold standard in their field. This prestigious award invites agencies to submit a portfolio of three standout projects completed in 2024, showcasing not only exceptional design prowess but also a deep commitment to exceeding client expectations. Entrants are encouraged to detail their sustainability credentials and innovative working practices, demonstrating what elevates them above the rest, irrespective of their size. Client feedback is a crucial part of the submission, providing a testament to the agency’s impact and excellence. Winning this award is not just an honour; it is an acknowledgement of being at the forefront of the industry, where the recognition gained is immeasurable in value and significance.

Entrants for the Design Agency of the Year Award are invited to complement their PDF project portfolio with a comprehensive account, limited to 1500 words, that underscores why their agency is a leader in the industry. This narrative is an essential addition to the visual and factual content of the PDF portfolio, providing a deeper insight into the ethos and achievements of your agency.

Key areas to elaborate on include:

Sustainability Credentials:

Expand on how your agency has incorporated sustainable practices into its business model. Describe eco-friendly initiatives, sustainable resource management, and any groundbreaking approaches to reducing environmental impact. Illustrate how these practices are ingrained in your operations and contribute to wider environmental objectives.

Innovative Working Practices:

Detail the innovative strategies and methods that characterize your agency’s approach. This could include the adoption of cutting-edge technology, unique problem-solving methodologies, or pioneering new market strategies. Explain how these practices have improved your agency’s productivity, creativity, and overall success, complementing the examples provided in your PDF portfolio.

Client Feedback:

Integrate testimonials from clients that highlight the impact and excellence of your agency. This feedback is a testament to the effectiveness of your agency, offering real-world examples of how you have met or exceeded client expectations, spurred their growth, or tackled complex challenges. These testimonials should resonate with the project examples in your PDF portfolio, providing a holistic view of your agency’s capabilities.

This submission is an opportunity to weave a compelling narrative about your agency. It should reflect your agency’s ethos, its commitment to excellence, and its path towards industry leadership, thereby providing a comprehensive picture within your PDF project portfolio. This dual approach of visual and written presentation is key to showcasing why your agency is deserving of the Design Agency of the Year title.

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Creative Collaboration
The "Creative Collaboration" award recognises exceptional projects where two or more companies come together to create a unique physical retail experience. This category celebrates the fusion of different worlds, resulting in a retail environment that resonates deeply with shoppers and offers a distinctively collaborative experience.
  • Integration of Brand Identities: Entries should showcase how the collaborating brands have successfully merged their identities to create a cohesive and engaging retail environment.
  • Uniqueness of Retail Experience: The collaboration must result in a retail experience that is unique and distinct from what each brand could achieve independently, offering shoppers something novel and memorable.
  • Resonance with Shoppers: Submissions should demonstrate how the collaborative project resonates with shoppers, possibly through innovative design, exclusive products, or unique brand interactions.
  • Impact of Collaboration: The entry must highlight the impact of the collaboration, showing how it enhanced the customer experience and added value to each brand involved.
Submit your entry
Creative Lighting
The "Creative Lighting" award recognises exceptional in-store lighting designs in the creative industry that artfully complement a brand’s identity and products. This award emphasises designs that not only enhance the visual appeal and customer experience within the retail space but also innovatively contribute to the overall mood and ambience.
  • Brand Complementing Design: The lighting scheme should be in harmony with the brand’s identity and product line, accentuating key aspects and contributing to the brand’s overall aesthetic.
  • Mood and Ambiance Creation: Entries must demonstrate how the lighting design contributes to the creation of a specific mood or ambience, influencing the customer’s in-store experience.
  • Aesthetic Appeal and Functionality: The design should balance aesthetic appeal with functionality, providing adequate illumination while also adding to the visual interest of the space.
  • Innovation in Lighting Techniques: Submissions should showcase innovative use of lighting techniques, materials, and technologies that set the design apart in its creativity and effectiveness.
Submit your entry
  • Integration of Brand Identities: Entries should showcase how the collaborating brands have successfully merged their identities to create a cohesive and engaging retail environment.
  • Uniqueness of Retail Experience: The collaboration must result in a retail experience that is unique and distinct from what each brand could achieve independently, offering shoppers something novel and memorable.
  • Resonance with Shoppers: Submissions should demonstrate how the collaborative project resonates with shoppers, possibly through innovative design, exclusive products, or unique brand interactions.
  • Impact of Collaboration: The entry must highlight the impact of the collaboration, showing how it enhanced the customer experience and added value to each brand involved.
  • Brand Complementing Design: The lighting scheme should be in harmony with the brand’s identity and product line, accentuating key aspects and contributing to the brand’s overall aesthetic.
  • Mood and Ambiance Creation: Entries must demonstrate how the lighting design contributes to the creation of a specific mood or ambience, influencing the customer’s in-store experience.
  • Aesthetic Appeal and Functionality: The design should balance aesthetic appeal with functionality, providing adequate illumination while also adding to the visual interest of the space.
  • Innovation in Lighting Techniques: Submissions should showcase innovative use of lighting techniques, materials, and technologies that set the design apart in its creativity and effectiveness.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
Festive Display

The "Festive Display" award is a distinguished accolade within the creative industry, designed to acknowledge and celebrate exceptional festive season display designs. This award is dedicated to recognising those displays that not only showcase artistic brilliance but also significantly enhance the customer experience, embodying the spirit of the season while resonating with the brand's identity.
  • Creativity in Festive Theming: Entries should exhibit creativity and originality in their festive theme, incorporating innovative design elements like unique colors, lights, and materials to vividly capture the essence of the season.
  • Effectiveness in Attracting and Engaging Customers: The display must be adept at drawing in and captivating customers, using interactive elements, visually striking designs, or immersive experiences to make the festive shopping journey unforgettable.
  • Alignment with Festive Spirit and Brand Identity: Submissions need to blend the festive atmosphere seamlessly with the brand’s ethos, ensuring that the display is not only a celebration of the season but also a true reflection of the brand’s values and image.
  • Enhancement of Customer Experience: Entries should demonstrate the display’s positive influence on the overall customer experience during the festive season, including the ambience created, customer feedback, and the emotional impact on shoppers.
Submit your entry
Food, Beverage, and Supermarket

The "Food, Beverage, and Supermarket" award is designed for food retailers of all sizes, from large supermarkets to specialist stores, focusing on excellence in retail design and layout. This category spotlights stores that have innovatively enhanced the shopping experience with creative merchandising, exceptional product displays and a dynamic in-store environment that fosters customer interaction.
  • Innovative Retail Design and Layout: Submissions should demonstrate an innovative approach to store design and layout, enhancing functionality and aesthetic appeal for customers.
  • Creative Merchandising Strategies: Entries must showcase creative and effective merchandising strategies that improve product visibility and encourage customer engagement.
  • Exceptional Product Display Techniques: The store should exhibit outstanding product display techniques that highlight products attractively and logically, facilitating an efficient shopping experience.
  • Dynamic In-Store Environment and Customer Interaction: Entries should illustrate the development of a dynamic in-store environment that enhances customer interaction, focusing on elements like interactive displays, sensory experiences, or customer service innovations.
Submit your entry
  • Creativity in Festive Theming: Entries should exhibit creativity and originality in their festive theme, incorporating innovative design elements like unique colors, lights, and materials to vividly capture the essence of the season.
  • Effectiveness in Attracting and Engaging Customers: The display must be adept at drawing in and captivating customers, using interactive elements, visually striking designs, or immersive experiences to make the festive shopping journey unforgettable.
  • Alignment with Festive Spirit and Brand Identity: Submissions need to blend the festive atmosphere seamlessly with the brand’s ethos, ensuring that the display is not only a celebration of the season but also a true reflection of the brand’s values and image.
  • Enhancement of Customer Experience: Entries should demonstrate the display’s positive influence on the overall customer experience during the festive season, including the ambience created, customer feedback, and the emotional impact on shoppers.
  • Innovative Retail Design and Layout: Submissions should demonstrate an innovative approach to store design and layout, enhancing functionality and aesthetic appeal for customers.
  • Creative Merchandising Strategies: Entries must showcase creative and effective merchandising strategies that improve product visibility and encourage customer engagement.
  • Exceptional Product Display Techniques: The store should exhibit outstanding product display techniques that highlight products attractively and logically, facilitating an efficient shopping experience.
  • Dynamic In-Store Environment and Customer Interaction: Entries should illustrate the development of a dynamic in-store environment that enhances customer interaction, focusing on elements like interactive displays, sensory experiences, or customer service innovations.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
Graphics

The "Graphics" award spotlights excellence in the use of signs and graphics within retail spaces. This category recognises designs that achieve a harmonious balance between clear communication and the effective representation of brand values, enhancing both customer understanding and brand perception.
  • Clarity and Effectiveness of Communication: The graphics should provide clear, concise information, aiding in easy navigation and understanding within the store.
  • Brand Value Representation: Entries must demonstrate how the graphic design aligns with and highlights the brand’s values, contributing positively to brand image and customer perception.
  • Aesthetic Integration: The design should seamlessly integrate with the store’s overall aesthetic, enhancing the visual appeal of the space without overwhelming it.
  • Innovation in Design: Submissions should showcase creative and innovative approaches in graphic design, setting them apart in terms of originality and effectiveness.
Submit your entry
Hospitality Design

The "Hospitality Design" award recognises outstanding fit-outs and refurbishments in the hospitality sector completed within the last 12 months. This category focuses on celebrating designs that transform spaces into inspirational environments, emphasising the role of innovative design and architecture in enhancing the space. It highlights how these elements contribute to creating unique customer experiences and encourages repeat visits, defining hospitality as the creation of welcoming, memorable environments for guests in food, drink and entertainment services.
  • Inspirational Environment Creation: Entries should demonstrate how the design creates an inspirational and inviting environment, significantly enhancing the overall ambiance of the space.
  • Enhancement Through Design and Architecture: The design and architectural elements must contribute meaningfully to the space, improving functionality while also delivering aesthetic appeal.
  • Unique Customer Experience: Submissions must showcase how the design contributes to a unique customer experience, whether through innovative layouts, use of materials, lighting, or other design elements.
  • Encouragement of Repeat Custom: Entries should illustrate how the design encourages repeat visits, creating a space where guests feel welcomed and engaged, prompting them to return.
Submit your entry
  • Clarity and Effectiveness of Communication: The graphics should provide clear, concise information, aiding in easy navigation and understanding within the store.
  • Brand Value Representation: Entries must demonstrate how the graphic design aligns with and highlights the brand’s values, contributing positively to brand image and customer perception.
  • Aesthetic Integration: The design should seamlessly integrate with the store’s overall aesthetic, enhancing the visual appeal of the space without overwhelming it.
  • Innovation in Design: Submissions should showcase creative and innovative approaches in graphic design, setting them apart in terms of originality and effectiveness.
  • Inspirational Environment Creation: Entries should demonstrate how the design creates an inspirational and inviting environment, significantly enhancing the overall ambiance of the space.
  • Enhancement Through Design and Architecture: The design and architectural elements must contribute meaningfully to the space, improving functionality while also delivering aesthetic appeal.
  • Unique Customer Experience: Submissions must showcase how the design contributes to a unique customer experience, whether through innovative layouts, use of materials, lighting, or other design elements.
  • Encouragement of Repeat Custom: Entries should illustrate how the design encourages repeat visits, creating a space where guests feel welcomed and engaged, prompting them to return.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
In-Store Scheme
The "In-Store Scheme" award recognises exceptional in-store display and visual merchandising within the retail sector. This category celebrates designs that masterfully create an engaging shopping environment through innovative displays and visual elements that captivate customers.
  • Visual Appeal and Creativity: The in-store displays should exhibit high levels of creativity and visual appeal, effectively drawing in customers and enhancing their shopping experience.
  • Cohesion and Theme Consistency: Entries must demonstrate a coherent theme or concept that ties together various elements of the store, creating a unified shopping environment.
  • Impact on Customer Experience: The scheme should positively influence the customer experience, making the shopping journey enjoyable and memorable through its visual aspects.
  • Innovative Use of Space and Display Elements: Submissions should showcase innovative and effective use of space and display elements, maximising their impact within the store’s layout.
Submit your entry
Independent Store (UK Only)

The "Independent Store" award, exclusive to the UK, celebrates the role of innovative design in independent retail. This category is dedicated to showcasing independent stores that stand out in their communities and distinguish themselves from competitors through exceptional design, unique concepts and a strong connection to the local environment.
  • Innovative Design and Concept: Entries should highlight innovative design elements and unique concepts that set the store apart in the independent retail sector.
  • Community Connection and Impact: The store must demonstrate a strong connection to its community, showing how its presence and design positively impact the local environment and residents.
  • Distinctiveness Among Competitors: Submissions should illustrate what makes the store distinctive in comparison to competitors, focusing on aspects like design, customer experience, and service offerings.
  • Contribution to Local Retail Landscape: The entry should demonstrate the store’s contribution to enhancing the local retail landscape, adding value and diversity to the shopping options available in the community.
Submit your entry
  • Visual Appeal and Creativity: The in-store displays should exhibit high levels of creativity and visual appeal, effectively drawing in customers and enhancing their shopping experience.
  • Cohesion and Theme Consistency: Entries must demonstrate a coherent theme or concept that ties together various elements of the store, creating a unified shopping environment.
  • Impact on Customer Experience: The scheme should positively influence the customer experience, making the shopping journey enjoyable and memorable through its visual aspects.
  • Innovative Use of Space and Display Elements: Submissions should showcase innovative and effective use of space and display elements, maximising their impact within the store’s layout.
  • Innovative Design and Concept: Entries should highlight innovative design elements and unique concepts that set the store apart in the independent retail sector.
  • Community Connection and Impact: The store must demonstrate a strong connection to its community, showing how its presence and design positively impact the local environment and residents.
  • Distinctiveness Among Competitors: Submissions should illustrate what makes the store distinctive in comparison to competitors, focusing on aspects like design, customer experience, and service offerings.
  • Contribution to Local Retail Landscape: The entry should demonstrate the store’s contribution to enhancing the local retail landscape, adding value and diversity to the shopping options available in the community.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
Technology

The award celebrates the innovative use of technology in transforming physical retail spaces into dynamic, experience-rich environments. This category focuses on how technology is leveraged within retail to enhance the store setting and enrich the customer experience as part of the industry's transformative journey.
  • Enhancement of Retail Space: Entries should showcase how technology has been implemented to elevate the physical retail environment, making it more interactive, engaging, or efficient.
  • Enrichment of Customer Experience: The use of technology must significantly enrich the customer experience, offering new ways to interact with products, navigate the store, or access information.
  • Innovation and Creativity: Submissions should demonstrate creativity and innovation in the application of technology, highlighting unique or cutting-edge solutions.
  • Integration with Retail Strategy: Technology should be seamlessly integrated into the overall retail strategy, complementing other aspects of the store and aligning with the brand’s ethos and customer service goals.
Submit your entry
Leisure, Visitor or Exhibition Attraction

The "Leisure, Visitor or Exhibition Attraction" award is a celebration of the dynamic evolution of retail spaces into hubs of diverse entertainment and engagement. This category encompasses a wide range of attractions, from traditional leisure activities like cinemas, bingo and bowling, to contemporary favourites such as table tennis, football and crazy golf, which cater to the Instagram-savvy generation. Additionally, it recognises the growing trend of brands utilising exhibition spaces to reach a captive audience, offering unique and interactive experiences that directly engage consumers.
  • Innovative Design and Architecture: Entries must demonstrate how their design and architectural choices have revitalised leisure or exhibition spaces, creating distinctive and engaging environments.
  • Creation of Unique Consumer Experiences: Submissions should showcase how the space provides unique experiences, appealing to modern consumer preferences and enhancing social media engagement.
  • Elevation of Retail Location: The design should significantly augment the overall allure of the retail location, transforming it into a destination for a variety of social and entertainment activities.
  • Interactive Exhibition Spaces: Entries involving exhibition spaces must illustrate how their design fosters consumer interaction and engagement, leading to memorable experiences that resonate with visitors.
Submit your entry
  • Enhancement of Retail Space: Entries should showcase how technology has been implemented to elevate the physical retail environment, making it more interactive, engaging, or efficient.
  • Enrichment of Customer Experience: The use of technology must significantly enrich the customer experience, offering new ways to interact with products, navigate the store, or access information.
  • Innovation and Creativity: Submissions should demonstrate creativity and innovation in the application of technology, highlighting unique or cutting-edge solutions.
  • Integration with Retail Strategy: Technology should be seamlessly integrated into the overall retail strategy, complementing other aspects of the store and aligning with the brand’s ethos and customer service goals.
  • Innovative Design and Architecture: Entries must demonstrate how their design and architectural choices have revitalised leisure or exhibition spaces, creating distinctive and engaging environments.
  • Creation of Unique Consumer Experiences: Submissions should showcase how the space provides unique experiences, appealing to modern consumer preferences and enhancing social media engagement.
  • Elevation of Retail Location: The design should significantly augment the overall allure of the retail location, transforming it into a destination for a variety of social and entertainment activities.
  • Interactive Exhibition Spaces: Entries involving exhibition spaces must illustrate how their design fosters consumer interaction and engagement, leading to memorable experiences that resonate with visitors.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
Omni-Channel Experience

The award acknowledges retailers who excel in creating a seamless Omni-channel customer experience, effectively integrating various sales channels and bridging the gap between physical and digital retail environments. This category highlights those who have successfully merged at least one physical sales channel with digital platforms.
  • Integration of Sales Channels: Entrants should demonstrate a cohesive integration of multiple sales channels, ensuring a smooth transition for customers between physical and digital shopping experiences.
  • Physical Channel Involvement: A key requirement is that at least one of the sales channels must be physical, showcasing how traditional retail spaces are interconnected with digital platforms.
  • Customer Experience Continuity: The focus should be on providing a continuous and consistent customer experience across all channels, maintaining the brand’s standards and service quality.
  • Innovation in Omni-Channel Strategy: Submissions must highlight innovative strategies or technologies used to enhance the Omni-Channel experience, making it more efficient, user-friendly, and engaging.
Submit your entry
Pop-Up Store
The "Pop-Up Store" award recognises the innovative and effective use of temporary physical spaces in retail to create lasting impressions on customers. This category focuses on how pop-up stores communicate a brand's ethos through unique and engaging environments, offering immersive shopping experiences that transcend traditional retail boundaries.
  • Brand Ethos Communication: The pop-up store must effectively convey the brand’s ethos, utilising creative design and layout to reflect the brand’s identity and values.
  • Creation of an Immersive Experience: Entries should showcase how the pop-up store offers an immersive and engaging shopping experience, differentiating it from standard retail environments.
  • Innovative Design and Execution: The scheme should demonstrate innovation in design and execution, pushing the boundaries of what is typically expected from pop-up retail.
  • Impact on Brand Visibility and Engagement: Submissions must illustrate the impact of the pop-up store on brand visibility and customer engagement, including metrics such as social media following, customer feedback, and uptake in sales.
Submit your entry
  • Integration of Sales Channels: Entrants should demonstrate a cohesive integration of multiple sales channels, ensuring a smooth transition for customers between physical and digital shopping experiences.
  • Physical Channel Involvement: A key requirement is that at least one of the sales channels must be physical, showcasing how traditional retail spaces are interconnected with digital platforms.
  • Customer Experience Continuity: The focus should be on providing a continuous and consistent customer experience across all channels, maintaining the brand’s standards and service quality.
  • Innovation in Omni-Channel Strategy: Submissions must highlight innovative strategies or technologies used to enhance the Omni-Channel experience, making it more efficient, user-friendly, and engaging.
  • Brand Ethos Communication: The pop-up store must effectively convey the brand’s ethos, utilising creative design and layout to reflect the brand’s identity and values.
  • Creation of an Immersive Experience: Entries should showcase how the pop-up store offers an immersive and engaging shopping experience, differentiating it from standard retail environments.
  • Innovative Design and Execution: The scheme should demonstrate innovation in design and execution, pushing the boundaries of what is typically expected from pop-up retail.
  • Impact on Brand Visibility and Engagement: Submissions must illustrate the impact of the pop-up store on brand visibility and customer engagement, including metrics such as social media following, customer feedback, and uptake in sales.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
POP/POS
The "POP/POS" award celebrates exceptional design in point-of-purchase (POP) and point-of-sale (POS) displays within the retail sector. This award focuses on designs that captivate consumer attention and effectively convey brand and promotional messages, thereby driving sales and improving customer engagement.
  • Standout Design: The entry must showcase how the POP/POS display stands out from its competitors. This includes the innovative use of materials, design, and technology that captures and holds customer attention.
  • Alignment with Client’s Brief: The display should closely align with the client’s specifications and goals, reflecting a deep understanding and interpretation of the client’s brief to ensure that design objectives are met.
  • Brand and Promotional Message Communication: Entries must effectively communicate the brand identity and promotional message, creatively and strategically incorporating branding elements and messaging that resonate with the target audience.
  • Demonstration of Sales Uptake: Entries should provide evidence of the display’s impact on sales, including data and analysis demonstrating a measurable increase in sales directly attributable to the POP/POS display.
  • Customer Engagement and Interaction: The display should enhance customer engagement and interaction, possibly through interactive elements, innovative design, or other methods that effectively engage customers at the point of sale.
Submit your entry
Retail Experience

The "Retail Experience" award emphasises the importance of customer experience in retail, moving beyond store design to focus on creating memorable, enriching, and engaging environments for shoppers. This category celebrates experiences that help retailers stand out against competitors and encourage shopper loyalty. Open to permanent and temporary stores, pop-ups and concessions, it highlights initiatives that successfully build brand identity and foster community engagement.
  • Memorable and Engaging Customer Experience: Entries should demonstrate how they create an enriching and engaging shopping environment that leaves a lasting impression on customers.
  • Brand Identity and Community Building: The experience must effectively communicate the brand’s identity and contribute to building a sense of community among its customers.
  • Distinctiveness in the Market: Submissions should showcase what makes their retail experience unique compared to competitors, focusing on innovative strategies to attract and retain customers.
  • Encouragement of Repeat Visits: The entry should illustrate how the experience encourages shoppers to return, through exceptional customer service, engaging activities, or unique features that resonate with the target audience.
Submit your entry
  • Standout Design: The entry must showcase how the POP/POS display stands out from its competitors. This includes the innovative use of materials, design, and technology that captures and holds customer attention.
  • Alignment with Client’s Brief: The display should closely align with the client’s specifications and goals, reflecting a deep understanding and interpretation of the client’s brief to ensure that design objectives are met.
  • Brand and Promotional Message Communication: Entries must effectively communicate the brand identity and promotional message, creatively and strategically incorporating branding elements and messaging that resonate with the target audience.
  • Demonstration of Sales Uptake: Entries should provide evidence of the display’s impact on sales, including data and analysis demonstrating a measurable increase in sales directly attributable to the POP/POS display.
  • Customer Engagement and Interaction: The display should enhance customer engagement and interaction, possibly through interactive elements, innovative design, or other methods that effectively engage customers at the point of sale.
  • Memorable and Engaging Customer Experience: Entries should demonstrate how they create an enriching and engaging shopping environment that leaves a lasting impression on customers.
  • Brand Identity and Community Building: The experience must effectively communicate the brand’s identity and contribute to building a sense of community among its customers.
  • Distinctiveness in the Market: Submissions should showcase what makes their retail experience unique compared to competitors, focusing on innovative strategies to attract and retain customers.
  • Encouragement of Repeat Visits: The entry should illustrate how the experience encourages shoppers to return, through exceptional customer service, engaging activities, or unique features that resonate with the target audience.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
Shopfitting/Fit Out

The "Shopfitting / Fit Out" award, in association with the National Association of Shopfitters and Interior Contractors, honours the highest standards in shopfitting or fit-out projects across retail, leisure, and hospitality environments. This category celebrates spaces that showcase exceptional quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail, tailored specifically to budget, design and specification requirements.
  • Quality of Craftsmanship: Entries must exhibit the highest level of craftsmanship, demonstrating skill and precision in every aspect of the fit-out.
  • Attention to Detail: The project should showcase meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every element aligns with the overall design and aesthetic goals.
  • Adherence to Budget and Specification: Submissions must illustrate how the project adhered to its specified budget and design requirements, effectively balancing cost with quality.
  • Impact on Environment: The fit-out should significantly enhance the environment, whether it’s a retail store, a leisure facility, or a hospitality venue, contributing to a better overall user experience.
Submit your entry
Store Design of the Year
The "Store Design of the Year" award is one of the most prestigious accolades in retail design, recognising exceptional store fit-outs and refurbishments completed within the last 12 months. This award celebrates designs that create inspirational environments for today's consumers, emphasising the importance of every aspect of the design process. Winning this award signifies a remarkable achievement in creating a store design that not only benefits the shopper's journey but also enhances the retail brand, encourages dwell time, and ultimately drives sales.
  • Comprehensive Design Excellence: Entries must demonstrate excellence in all areas of the design process, creating a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally outstanding.
  • Enhancement of Shopper Journey: The design should facilitate an intuitive and enjoyable shopper journey, making navigation through the space seamless and engaging.
  • Brand Enhancement: Submissions should illustrate how the design elevates the retail brand, aligning the physical space with the brand’s ethos and identity.
  • Encouragement of Dwell Time and Sales: The store design must create an environment that encourages customers to spend more time within the space, thereby increasing the likelihood of sales.
Submit your entry
  • Quality of Craftsmanship: Entries must exhibit the highest level of craftsmanship, demonstrating skill and precision in every aspect of the fit-out.
  • Attention to Detail: The project should showcase meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every element aligns with the overall design and aesthetic goals.
  • Adherence to Budget and Specification: Submissions must illustrate how the project adhered to its specified budget and design requirements, effectively balancing cost with quality.
  • Impact on Environment: The fit-out should significantly enhance the environment, whether it’s a retail store, a leisure facility, or a hospitality venue, contributing to a better overall user experience.
  • Comprehensive Design Excellence: Entries must demonstrate excellence in all areas of the design process, creating a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally outstanding.
  • Enhancement of Shopper Journey: The design should facilitate an intuitive and enjoyable shopper journey, making navigation through the space seamless and engaging.
  • Brand Enhancement: Submissions should illustrate how the design elevates the retail brand, aligning the physical space with the brand’s ethos and identity.
  • Encouragement of Dwell Time and Sales: The store design must create an environment that encourages customers to spend more time within the space, thereby increasing the likelihood of sales.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
Store-in-Store or Concession
The "Store-in-Store or Concession" award is dedicated to recognising outstanding store-in-store concepts or concessions that stand out in the retail landscape. This category celebrates designs that not only effectively reflect the brand but also complement the overall surroundings of the main store, offering a distinct yet harmonious shopping experience.
  • Brand Representation: The store-in-store or concession should accurately and compellingly represent the brand, showcasing its identity and values through the design and layout.
  • Complement to the Main Store: Entries must demonstrate how the design complements and enhances the overall ambience and aesthetic of the main store, while still maintaining a unique identity.
  • Visual Appeal and Design Innovation: The concept should exhibit high visual appeal and design innovation, creating an attractive and engaging space that draws in customers.
  • Cohesiveness and Integration: The scheme should be cohesively integrated within the main store, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers while distinguishing the individual brand or concession.
Submit your entry
Surfaces and Finishes

The "Surfaces and Finishes" award recognises outstanding use of materials within retail spaces. This category highlights designs that adeptly reflect a brand's ethos and complement the store's interior design, significantly enhancing the in-store environment.
  • Reflection of Brand’s Ethos: Materials used should resonate with the brand’s core values and identity, forging a tangible connection between the brand and its physical space.
  • Harmony with Interior Design: The choice of surfaces and finishes must harmonise with the overall interior design, augmenting the aesthetic appeal and coherence of the store.
  • Rationale Behind Material Selection: Entries should articulate the reasons behind the choice of materials, considering aspects such as aesthetics, durability, sustainability, or customer experience.
  • Enhancement of In-Store Environment: Submissions must illustrate how the selected materials enrich the in-store experience, be it through tactile qualities, visual impact, or creating a specific ambience.
Submit your entry
  • Brand Representation: The store-in-store or concession should accurately and compellingly represent the brand, showcasing its identity and values through the design and layout.
  • Complement to the Main Store: Entries must demonstrate how the design complements and enhances the overall ambience and aesthetic of the main store, while still maintaining a unique identity.
  • Visual Appeal and Design Innovation: The concept should exhibit high visual appeal and design innovation, creating an attractive and engaging space that draws in customers.
  • Cohesiveness and Integration: The scheme should be cohesively integrated within the main store, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers while distinguishing the individual brand or concession.
  • Reflection of Brand’s Ethos: Materials used should resonate with the brand’s core values and identity, forging a tangible connection between the brand and its physical space.
  • Harmony with Interior Design: The choice of surfaces and finishes must harmonise with the overall interior design, augmenting the aesthetic appeal and coherence of the store.
  • Rationale Behind Material Selection: Entries should articulate the reasons behind the choice of materials, considering aspects such as aesthetics, durability, sustainability, or customer experience.
  • Enhancement of In-Store Environment: Submissions must illustrate how the selected materials enrich the in-store experience, be it through tactile qualities, visual impact, or creating a specific ambience.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
Sustainable Display
The "Sustainable Display" category is a groundbreaking awards recognition designed for the retail industry, emphasising the urgent need for environmental responsibility. It prioritises the integration of sustainable materials and design, reflecting a commitment to ecological stewardship without compromising on quality. The Creative Retail Awards will plant 10 trees for every paid entry received into this category. 🌳
  • Innovation in Sustainable Design: The display should exemplify innovative design incorporating sustainable practices, utilising eco-friendly materials that enhance both the aesthetic and functional quality of the display.
  • Use of Sustainable and Recycled Materials: Entries must demonstrate the utilisation of materials that are sustainable, recycled, or both, emphasising a reduced environmental impact while maintaining the effectiveness and appeal of the display.
  • Quality Assurance: The display must maintain high standards of quality, showcasing that sustainable materials are not only viable but preferable for their durability and visual appeal.
  • Lifecycle Analysis: An essential aspect of the entry is the end-of-life plan for the display. Submissions should detail how the display can be reused or recycled, promoting a circular economy approach.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment: Submissions should include an analysis of the display’s environmental footprint, highlighting its contribution to reducing carbon emissions, waste, and other environmental impacts compared to traditional displays.
  • Scalability and Adaptability: The display should be adaptable to various retail settings and scalable, demonstrating its utility across different applications and store sizes.
Submit your entry
Window Scheme – Non Festive
The "Window Scheme" award recognises exceptional window display designs that are not related to festive themes. This category celebrates imaginative and impactful window displays that captivate passersby and enhance the brand's visibility and appeal through creative storytelling and visual allure.
  • Creativity and Originality: The window display should exhibit unique and creative concepts, standing out for its originality and inventiveness.
  • Brand Representation: Entries must effectively represent and align with the brand’s identity and messaging, thereby enhancing brand recognition and appeal.
  • Visual Impact and Engagement: The design should have a strong visual impact, attract and retain the attention of passersby, and encourage customer engagement.
  • Effective Use of Materials and Design Elements: Submissions should demonstrate innovative use of materials and design elements, creating an eye-catching and memorable window display that resonates with viewers.
Submit your entry
  • Innovation in Sustainable Design: The display should exemplify innovative design incorporating sustainable practices, utilising eco-friendly materials that enhance both the aesthetic and functional quality of the display.
  • Use of Sustainable and Recycled Materials: Entries must demonstrate the utilisation of materials that are sustainable, recycled, or both, emphasising a reduced environmental impact while maintaining the effectiveness and appeal of the display.
  • Quality Assurance: The display must maintain high standards of quality, showcasing that sustainable materials are not only viable but preferable for their durability and visual appeal.
  • Lifecycle Analysis: An essential aspect of the entry is the end-of-life plan for the display. Submissions should detail how the display can be reused or recycled, promoting a circular economy approach.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment: Submissions should include an analysis of the display’s environmental footprint, highlighting its contribution to reducing carbon emissions, waste, and other environmental impacts compared to traditional displays.
  • Scalability and Adaptability: The display should be adaptable to various retail settings and scalable, demonstrating its utility across different applications and store sizes.
  • Creativity and Originality: The window display should exhibit unique and creative concepts, standing out for its originality and inventiveness.
  • Brand Representation: Entries must effectively represent and align with the brand’s identity and messaging, thereby enhancing brand recognition and appeal.
  • Visual Impact and Engagement: The design should have a strong visual impact, attract and retain the attention of passersby, and encourage customer engagement.
  • Effective Use of Materials and Design Elements: Submissions should demonstrate innovative use of materials and design elements, creating an eye-catching and memorable window display that resonates with viewers.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry

CONCEPT OF THE YEAR AWARD

PUBLIC VOTE OPEN SOON

The Shop Drop Daily Concept of the Year Award celebrates the most innovative and inspiring branded concepts from around the world, as featured on Shop Drop Daily – the premier destination for cutting-edge brand experiences. This Award features the Top 10 most viewed concepts of 2024, curated from the platform’s daily drops, showcasing the pinnacle of creativity and excellence in the global retail industry. Explore the 10 projects and select your top pick. The leading choice will be revealed at the 2025 Creative Retail Awards.

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VIEW THE 2024 WINNERS

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