Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
The International Home + Housewares Show of Chicago and the International Housewares Association (IHA) of the US, the global sponsors and organisers of the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia), have announced the 2018 gia Global Honorees for Retail Excellence.
The Global Honorees are: Harrods (UK), The Chopping Block (US), Tugo (Colombia), Manufactum (Germany) and Pollmann sinds 1890 (Netherlands).
In addition, the Martin M. Pegler Award for Excellence in Visual Merchandising was awarded to Harrods and the gia Digital Commerce Award for Excellence in Online Retailing was awarded to Paper Plane (New Zealand).
Gia said Harrods seven-storey department store in London ‘continues to surpass the expectations of its visitors and offer an unparalleled shopping experience. It is renowned all over the world for its array of luxury and high quality merchandise and its devoted customer service.
‘Harrods’ cookshop and home appliance departments are inspiring and welcoming. Demonstrations areas provide excitement, with cookery demonstrations that link in with seasonal foods in its food halls and ‘foodie’ book signings in its book department. Meanwhile, Harrods’ publications and social media provide education and inspiration on cooking and new technology for the kitchen. A selection of premier services includes by appointment personal shopping, concierges, and exclusive interior design.
‘What undoubtedly sets Harrods apart from its competitors are its fantastic people. From the exceptional selling staff and expert buyers to the skilled chefs and famous ‘Green Men’ welcoming customers at the door, these unique individuals make up an inspirational team.’
The gia programme was created by the IHA and International Home + Housewares Show to foster innovation and excellence in home and housewares retailing throughout the world.
The competition is structured on a two-tier level, national and global. Retailers are evaluated on their overall mission statement, vision and strategy; store design and layout; visual merchandising, displays and window displays; marketing, advertising and promotions; customer service and staff training; and innovation.
The gia jury, consisting of four retail/visual merchandising experts and seven editors and publishers of co-sponsoring housewares trade publications from around the world, nominated the Global Honorees from 27 national gia retailers chosen from 26 countries.
The national winners and Global Honorees are recognised and prominently featured at the International Home + Housewares Show, which ends tomorrow (Tuesday March 13) at McCormick Place in Chicago.
There is a special display in the Hall of Global Innovation, in the Lakeside Center Lobby, and large banners span the walkway connecting the Lakeside Center to the Grand Concourse.
