NASFM's 2000 Retail Design Awards, more design entries were received and more awards were given out than ever before in the 29-year history of the competition. In all, 14 Grand Prizes, 23 Outstanding Merits, 12 Special Merits for Outstanding Store Fixtures, and a Store of the Year award were presented at the 2000 reception, held March 25 in conjunction with GlobalShop. Host, and stand-up comedian, Steve Kelley kept the evening rolling.

The winning projects spanned the globe. Helsinki, Mexico, Canada, Rome, and Seoul combined to win 15 awards. Closer to home, small cities like Boise, Idaho; Grandville, Mich.; Grapevine, Katy, and Irving, Texas; and Marietta, Ga., enjoyed success in the competition. Metropolitan cities like Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, and New York won their fair share. Even destination venues like Las Vegas, Orlando, and Scottsdale garnered recognition. The places packing the most punch were New York, with 12 awards, and Canada, with eight.