After an incredibly hard process of shortlisting superb window displays to enter the gia Top Window Award 2021, the UK has submitted window themes from five very different retailers. Selected and submitted by UK gia sponsor Progressive Housewares and HousewaresNews.net, the windows are now being judged by gia’s expert jurors along with other amazing displays from all around the world.
The window displays will be part of an international celebration of housewares excellence and retail creativity. From all the global entries one large and one small retailer will win a trip to Chicago to coincide with The Inspired Home Show next year (March 5-8). The two Top Window Global Honorees will be announced on September 29, as part of a presentation by gia expert juror and visual merchandising guru Anne Kong during the IHA’s Connect FALL programme.
The UK’s gia Top Window Award shortlist (in A-Z order) is:
The Alder Tree, Wells-Next-The Sea: Nautical Window
Director Joe Durrow commented: “Our Nautical themed window showcases some of the best independent British products. We took the opportunity to commission our exclusive ‘Next The Sea’ spoons and chopping boards to complement the other products that we had curated, supporting an independent illustrator from Leicestershire. We demonstrated originality and inventiveness by moving away from the typical blues of the coast and instead looking to the mystery of the deep ocean for inspiration. We have curated a window which encapsulates the sea in a new and exciting way, bringing warmer colours and textures that are easily transferrable to the home.”
Divertimenti, London’s Market Crates Windows
Jason Somers, general manager explained: “Taking inspiration from both the rustic nature of the range as well as the playful designs of Bordallo Pinheiro, we used wooden crates and authentic fishing nets to simulate a fresh market style enticing displays. It’s raw, fresh farming theme showcased in our window display on the Brompton Road really does highlight bringing real natural farmed produce to your life whilst combining our passion for good food too, which is at the heart of everything we do.”
Harrods’ ‘Harrods is Home’ Windows
On submitting the series of window images, buyer Joanne Wilson reflected: “Our Home campaign coincided with when we reopened the store in April. It was a huge success, and it was great to work with so many of our Home brands and of course plenty from Kitchen & Household!”
The Kitchen Range Cookshop, Market Harborough’s Bee Window
Director Jade Johnston reported: “Our bee window was created in the summer; the idea was to bring a touch of the outdoors into your kitchen. We created this feel by using artificial grass and bees. I like to add food into displays as it brings the products to life; for example, scones on the cake stand and lemons with the gin glasses.
“We drew illustrations of bees on the window to bring it all together. Our chosen colours were yellow, costal blue and white to give a sunshine feel. The window was filled with products in these colours that complement the featured bee range.”
Rossiters of Bath’s Summer Brights Windows
Buyer Rachael King described the windows as “joyous, colourful, full of life and excitement for the outside, bringing family and friends together.” The series highlighted: “The idea of entertaining outside, cooking and al fresco dinning,” as Rachael reflected: “We reopened in April with this series of windows with a sense of reuniting people through summertime as the restrictions were reduced.”
The UK’s gia Top Window representatives have been announced in the run up to the revelation of the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2021 Retailer Finalists – coming soon via HousewaresNews.net.
* To discover the Global Honorees for the gia Top Window Award – as well as essential visual merchandising inspiration for all retailers with windows – register for Anne Kong’s presentation ‘Winning Visual Clicks’. This takes place on Wednesday 29 September 29 at 16.30 GMT (ie 10.30-11.30 CT).
* Registration for the presentation and the other Connect FALL events (all free of charge) is available HERE.
* All those registered will receive an email with a link to the recording after the event so they can watch or re-watch it.
Top: View of one of Harrods’ Home series of windows: one of the UK’s shortlist for the gia Top Window Award 2021.
