Why entering the 2025 Retail VM & Display Awards matters

The 2025 Retail Visual Merchandising and Display Awards are officially open for entries, offering an exceptional opportunity for retail professionals to celebrate their creative achievements and gain valuable industry recognition. Taking place on 12th March 2025 in London, next year’s event will continue its long-standing tradition of spotlighting the talent that shapes retail spaces into captivating experiences.

With entries closing on 22nd December 2024, businesses and individuals involved in visual merchandising are encouraged to showcase their best work. The awards highlight achievements across various areas of retail design, from innovative window displays to sustainable installations and engaging in-store branding. Submissions are free, and participants can enter as many projects as they wish, providing ample room to demonstrate their breadth of creativity and skill.

Recognition at the Retail VM & Display Awards has long been a mark of distinction, helping brands and designers to elevate their profiles in a competitive market. Previous winners, including household names like Harrods, Selfridges, Burberry, Adidas, and John Lewis, have successfully leveraged their accolades to bolster brand visibility and solidify their reputations as leaders in retail innovation.

The judging panel for the 2025 awards is comprised of industry experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the evaluation process including A1 Retail’s own Editor, Abbie Rossington. Esteemed figures such as Giovanni Zaccariello, Senior VP of Global Visual Experience at Coach, and Howard Saunders, renowned retail futurist, will also join other notable professionals including Ian Scott, retail consultant and public speaker, and James Sheppard, Retail Design Experience Director at Portas Agency on the judging panel. Their collective insights will ensure that submissions are assessed with a discerning eye, recognising excellence that pushes boundaries and inspires the industry.

For participants, the benefits of entering extend beyond potential trophies. Industry recognition not only validates the hard work and innovation of creative teams but also enhances brand credibility, attracting new opportunities and collaborations.

The 2025 event promises to be a night to remember, celebrating the achievements of both established names and emerging talent. As one of the most anticipated dates on the retail calendar, the Retail VM & Display Awards provide a platform to reflect on the transformative power of visual merchandising and its role in shaping the retail experience.

For those ready to take their place among the industry’s best, submitting an entry is straightforward. Further details, including how to enter and full category descriptions, are available on the VM & Display Awards website.