JUDGING & AWARDS

Criteria & Judging Process

An independent panel of judges determines a Grand Prize winner and up to two Outstanding Merits in each category. One overall store entry also is awarded Store of the Year. In addition, several projects will win Innovative Element Awards for store fixtures, visual presentations, wall treatments, in-store communications, flooring and lighting. One or more of these may win Fixture of the Year or Visual Presentation of the Year. All awards are determined at the judges’ discretion; decisions are final.

Principal criteria for judging:

• excellence in design
• originality in the use of space and materials
• quality in executing the total concept
• and in some cases, the highest value for the dollars

A.R.E. Sustainability Awards

Using electronic viewing and voting methods in order to minimize the carbon footprint of the judging process, A.R.E.’s Sustainability Council, a group of designers and suppliers with various perspectives and expertise in sustainable retail design, determines a Grand Prize in each category, Project of the Year, and other winners as warranted. For 2009, when entries were not categorized, judges awarded a Project of the Year, two Second Place awards, and three Outstanding Merits. In addition, judges singled out six specific project elements for special commendation. All awards are determined at the judges discretion; decisions are final.

Judges award the highest honors to projects that not only have comprehensive sustainability programs, but also balance environmental goals with design aesthetics and functionality.’ discretion; decisions are final.

Principal criteria for judging:

• innovation in design
• integration
• benchmarks

Winners in both categories will be notified
by February 5, 2010.

Awards Presentation
Awards for the winning entries will be presented at the A.R.E. Design Awards the end of the first day of GlobalShop, the A.R.E.−sponsored trade show that takes place in Las Vegas in 2010. The awards presentation has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 10, 2010, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Awards Acceptance
All companies that contributed to projects receiving Grand Prizes, Store of the Year, (Elements) of the Year or the Sustainability Awards Project of the Year will be invited on stage during the awards ceremony. The designated recipient, generally the lead designer, or appropriate supplier, will be presented with a crystal award onstage and will have the opportunity to make a brief acceptance speech. Outstanding Merit winners and recipients of all other awards will receive audiovisual recognition during the awards presentation and will receive awards immediately following the awards ceremony in the Winners Circle.

Press Coverage
All winners receive project coverage online, in print, and in the digital display area at GlobalShop. After GlobalShop, each winning company will be mailed a certificate and the opportunity to purchase group photos and awards in their company’s name. A.R.E. will provide coverage in a “Winner’s Book” produced by A.R.E., on its web site, www.retailenvironments.org, and in our magazine, Retail Environments. In addition, other industry publications such as VMSD, DDI magazine, and Chain Store Age offer coverage of award−winning projects.