VMSD magazine hosts a range of competitions and editorial opportunities throughout the year. For questions regarding deadline extensions or general information, please contact the VMSD editors at [email protected].
VMSD “Look Book” Products Issue
Each year, VMSD‘s “Look Book” issue features the latest and greatest retail products – from lighting, mannequins, flooring, fixtures to furniture, in-store technology, props and decoratives and more. To submit your product for consideration, visit the submission form. This is a free editorial opportunity for suppliers, manufacturers or distributors.
DEADLINE: The deadline has passed. Please reach out directly to Editor-in-Chief Carly Hagedon at [email protected] to inquire about a late submission.
Featured in our January/February issue.
Cost to enter: FREE
Submit Here
Holiday Windows Recap
VMSD decks the pages of its annual “Look Book” issue with a range of holiday windows from around the globe. This yearly recap features displays from New York to China to London and everywhere in between.
DEADLINE: The deadline has passed. Please reach out directly to Editor-in-Chief Carly Hagedon at [email protected] to inquire about a late submission.
Featured annually in our January/February issue.
Eligible: Retailers, designers, visual merchandisers, manufacturers and suppliers.
Cost to enter: Free
Submit Here
VMSD Designer Dozen
Do you know someone making a difference in your organization, age 35 or under? Nominate yourself or a peer/co-worker for this annual recognition of rising stars in the retail industry. Retailers, designers and visual merchandisers are eligible to enter.
DEADLINE: Friday, January 23, 2026
Featured annually in our March/April issue.
Eligible: Designers, retailers and visual merchandisers age 35 and under.
Cost to enter: Free
Submit Here
Retail Design Firm Resource Guide
Get noticed! This annual listing of design and architecture firms from around the world also includes a ranking of the top firms of the year (based on annual firm fees). The full, comprehensive listing is found year-round on vmsd.com, and the ranking is featured in our May/June “Design Firm” issue.
DEADLINE: The submission form will open in early 2026.
Featured annually in our May/June issue and on vmsd.com.
Eligible: Contract design firms, architecture firms, independent designers.
Cost to enter: Free
International Visual Competition
This annual competition highlights displays with a temporary shelf-life, from storewide promotions to pop-ups to windows, from the previous year. Our Best in Show winner, along with 1-5 First Place winners and 6-8 Honorable Mention winners, is featured in our July/August “Visual Issue.” The Best in Show also receives a complimentary registration to that year’s International Retail Design Conference (IRDC).
DEADLINE: The submission form will be open in early 2026.
Featured annually in our July/August issue.
Eligible: Retailers, designers, manufacturers and suppliers.
Cost to enter: $50 for first entry, $20 for subsequent entries; $20 for students
Retail Renovation Competition
Featuring the best retail renovation and conversion projects from around the world, the Retail Renovation Competition is eligible for design firms, retailers, manufacturers or suppliers to enter. Our Retail Renovation of the Year, along with 1-5 First Place winners and 6-8 Honorable Mention winners, is featured in our September issue. The Retail Renovation of the Year recipient will also win a complimentary registration to that year’s International Retail Design Conference (IRDC).
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The submission form will open in spring 2026.
Featured annually in our September/October issue.
Eligible: Retailers, designers, manufacturers and suppliers. Projects must be renovations or conversions, new builds will be disqualified. Renovations are considered to be existing stores that are updated or renovated by the retailer, and conversions are considered to be spaces taken over by a retailer and renovated/updated.
Cost to enter: $200
International Retail Design Conference (IRDC) Call for Speakers
Submit your proposal for consideration to speak at VMSD‘s International Retail Design Conference (IRDC). Drawing hundreds of attendees both domestic and international, this annual event, now in its 25th year, features a variety of educational presentations and hands-on workshops for retailers and designers. (Suppliers and manufacturers must be sponsors in order to attend the event.) Learn more at irdconline.com.
DEADLINE: The deadline has passed and we will open submissions in early 2026.
Eligible: Retailers, educators and designers. Designers must have a retail co-presenter in order to be considered.
Cost to enter: Free
