SRR's 12th Annual Visual Victories Award Winners

Best Store Design

First Place: Captain Henry's

Retailer: Henry Miller
Location: Lloyd Center, Portland, OR
Center owner/manager: Glimcher Realty Trust
Entry submitted by: Vicki Morton, Glimcher
Visual merchandiser: Henry Miller, TW Productions LLC

Describing this pirate store as "an exciting, theatrical visual extravaganza," Denise Monahan predicted that "kids will flock to this themed concept store." Declaring Captain Henry's "the most-creative store display in this category," David Ahn commended the retailer/visual merchandiser on this project with an effective use of props that double as product-storage areas. Attention to detail was evident in the store's color choices, wall décor, floor displays and props, Patricia Zafferese said. The look gives Captain Henry's a powerful and cohesive visual identity that "transports you to an imaginary place," she added. "From the moment you approach and then enter the store, you are totally immersed in the nautical/pirate theme."

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Second Place: El Caballo Ballo Western Wear

Retailer: Herminio Aguilar
Location: Gwinnett Place, Duluth, GA
Center owner/manager: Simon Property Group
Entry submitted by: Laura Gray, Simon
Visual merchandiser: n/a

Our judges loved the way these displays had an authentic feel and were arranged to funnel shoppers from one area of the store another with ease. Every corner of the store is accented by props that add to the western wear theme, from the candle chandeliers overhead to the floor-level wagon-wheel bench, cowhide seats and cowhide rug that together create a relaxed try-on area for boot customers. "Creative, organized displays" make this store a winner, said Joni Compton.

Third Place: Pablosky

Retailer: Jesus Martin
Location: Iper Montebello, Spain
Center owner/manager: n/a
Entry submitted by: Ar. Keith Gibson, Grottini Retail Environments
Visual merchandiser: n/a

All elements in the Pablosky store serve a functional and visual purpose, starting with the BMX bike pedal shoe mounts, which instantly put the merchandise in a visual "real life" context. Wall fixtures are anchored by fasteners resembling shoestring rivets, bordered by opaque Plexiglas panels backlit in one of the retailer's signature brand colors. Whimsical, kid-friendly touches throughout the store include a series of "super-ball tubes" on the walls, with every buyer given a token to receive a Pablosky super-ball as a fun way to close out the sale and keep the advertising going post-sale. Vicki Leiknes summed up this winning store as "eye catching and unique."