Midwest-CBK announces retail display winners

Minnesota home decor, gift and candle manufacturer Midwest-CBK announced the winners of the company’s third annual “Show Us Your Sparkle” in-store display contest for independent retailers. Midwest-CBK sponsored the contest to bring attention and recognition to independent retailers who have shown creativity and excellence in retail display and merchandising, one of the key elements to driving traffic and sales. Winners include:

* First Place: Paddington Station in Ashland, Oregon (photo, right)
* Second Place: Linders Greenhouses in St. Paul, Minnesota
* Third Place: The Garden Hut in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina

“We are proud to showcase and share with the industry the talents of these successful independent retailers, who clearly excel in creativity and uniqueness of retail display and merchandising,” said Midwest-CBK President Frederic Contino. “The entries are becoming more creative, original and eye-catching every year, proving the continued importance of retail display in driving traffic and ultimately sales for independent retail business.”

Paddington Station created “street theatre” and wow factor with their award-winning Main Street-facing windows. Using a mix of toy-themed merchandise and holiday decor, including Genuine Monkeez sock monkeys, retro-inspired robots and classic children’s toys, owner Pam Hammond created a playful, yet intimate look visible from the street and sidewalk to draw customers inside.

“We have carried Genuine Monkeez for the last 16 months, but sales doubled in November when the display made its debut,” said Hammond. “The joyful window display has increased foot traffic, helping to make November 2009 our best on record in our 36-year history. Thank you, Midwest-CBK!”

Winners were acknowledged during the winter home and gift markets and received Midwest-CBK merchandise credits.