VM+SD 8th Annual International Visual Competition

This year's “Best of Show” Award went to Marshall Field's for its sole-ful “Les Shoes” window displays, which promoted the opening of the Chicago flagship's renovated shoe department last summer. Five other entrants dazzled their way into first place slots, while another 12 received Awards of Merit.

VM SD's annual International Visual Competition celebrates the fleeting images of retail merchandising. Though the displays and windows created by visual teams are often short-lived, the contest recognizes their laudable efforts on behalf of retailers'bottom lines. Designers from as far as Japan, Africa and Canada clambered to have their creative endeavors distinguished.

On April 24, a panel comprised of visual merchandisers and designers congregated at FRCH Worldwide's Cincinnati office to judge entries: Nancy Brueneman, visual merchandiser, Sears (Cincinnati store); James Frederick, director of visual merchandising, FRCH; Brent Hodge, visual merchandiser, ArHaus (Cincinnati); Nadine King, senior designer, Federated Department Stores (Cincinnati); and Richard Westendorf, creative director, Landor Associates (Cincinnati office). They peppered the process with comments and insights, describing noteworthy displays as “rich,” “cohesive” and “non-traditional.” Westendorf encapsulated the winners'strategies when he observed, “They took a concept and exploded it.”

Les Shoes, Marshall Field's, Chicago

In-Store Apparel Presentation

Women's Active adi-Shop, Nordstrom, Dallas Galleria

 

In-Store Home Goods Presentation

The Wedding List, Boston

 

In-Store, Storewide Promotions

“Summer 2000” Displays, Seibu Department Store, Tokyo

 

Community Outreach/Social Causes/Arts Promotion

“The Mask Project,” Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Denver

 

Collateral

and

In-Store Accessories/Beauty and Shoes Presentation

Club Libby Lu, Woodfield Mall, Chicago

Windows

“The Angel of Audubon,” Deluxe San Mateo, San Mateo, Calif.

Spring Fashion Campaign, Tobu Department Store, Tokyo

Wish Fulfillment,”Marshall Field's State Street, Chicago

 

In-Store Apparel Presentation

West Marine, Richmond, Calif.

Nike Kids Apparel and Accessories Displays, VF Playwear, Greensboro, N.C.

 

In-Store Home Goods Presentation

Pottery Barn Kids, South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, Calif.

 

In-Store Accessories/Beauty and Shoes Presentation

Mania by Georgio Armani, Marshall Field's State Street, Chicago

 

In-Store, Storewide Promotions

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,” Marshall Field's State Street, Chicago

 

Community Outreach/Social Causes/Arts Promotion

Steppenwolf 25th Anniversary, Marshall Field's State Street, Chicago

 

Trade Show Displays

eBank, Columbus, Ohio

 

Retail Center-Wide Promotions

10th Anniversary, Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Denver

“Once Upon a Time,” The Somerset Collection, Troy, Mich.