You know great in-store merchandising when you see it... so do we.

Introducing Canada's newest awards program recognizing excellence in merchandising for the Hardware and LBM retailing industry.

What are the CHIMA Awards?

The Canadian Home Improvement Merchandising Awards, now in their inaugural year, have been created to honour the very best in visual merchandising at Canadian home improvement stores. Administered by Hardware Merchandising magazine in conjunction with Burlington Merchandising & Fixtures, the awards will be presented during the Canadian Home Improvement Show in February 2009.

Who Can Enter?

The contest is open to both vendors and retailers in recognition of superior merchandising concepts in hardware, building supply and speciality outlets. *Canadian retail outlets only

Award Categories

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

Hardware/Housewares
Building Materials
Home Décor
Seasonal
Best Category/Department presentation - Independent*
Best Category/Department presentation - Chain*

*Retailer Categories

Individual Store - (Display can be utilized at 1 to 5 locations)
Chain or Buying Group - (Display must be available in at least 15 different retail outlets)

Why Participate?

By entering this awards contest you can...

Develop stronger merchandising concepts to drive sales in your store(s)
Heighten the industry profile for your company/brand
Create recognition for your managers and staff
If you are a vendor, increase demand for your new merchandising displays

If you Win!

The winners will receive their awards during the gala dinner to be held at the Canadian Home Improvement Show in February 2009.

Each winning entry will be featured as an editorial profile in subsequent issues of Hardware Merchandising magazine.

Judging

Hardware Merchandising and Burlington Merchandising and Fixtures will assemble a panel of independent retail merchandising experts, unaffiliated with any of the existing home improvement banners or their vendors, who will rate each entry on the following five criteria:

Visual Impact

Is it attention-grabbing?
Is it visually appealing?
Does is slow the customer down?
Is the product the "hero"?
How effective are the colours and signage?

Uniqueness

Creative use of space
Creative use of materials

Clarity and Relevance

How effectively does it inform (features & benefits, how-to)?
Does it assist and motivate customers to make a purchase without sales assistance?
Does the display simplify, rather than complicate, the decision process?
Are the selection alternatives clear?

Sales Impact

Participants should provide "before and after" sales data for this product, either actual dollar volume or a percentage increase during a 60 to 90 day period before and after the display installation. No sales data will be published without your consent.

Collaboration

How creatively and effectively did the vendor(s) and retailer(s) work together?

Deadline for receipt of entries: Friday, October 17, 2008

Download the entry form.