Excellence Rewarded
By Maria Weiskott -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 6/1/2007
Excellence is its own reward. But long before this industry was even a twinkle in the eye of most of us who chose it as our life's passion, the predecessor of Gifts & Decorative Accessories — The Gift & Art Buyer — believed that some “recognition” needed to be added to that reward.
So, some 50-plus years ago the magazine established Retail Excellence Awards. Today, the REAs — which preceded all other industry awards — are among the most prestigious and highly esteemed in the industry.
This month, it is our honor to announce finalists of the 56th annual Retail Excellence Awards in the following categories.
Store Design
- Alessi, New York
- Elephant Pharm, Los Altos, CA
- The Urban Blossom, Addison, TX
Advertising/Marketing/Promotion
- Ambiance Interiors & Gifts, Suwanee, GA
- Jenss Decor, Amherst, NY
- The Burlap Horse, Boerne, TX
Visual Merchandising
- Leon & Lulu, Clawson, MI
- Santoro & Company, Bridgeton, NJ
Bricks 'n' Clicks
- Catching Fireflies, Berkeley, MI
- Zinc Details, San Francisco
Web Design
- Homescapes Carmel, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
- The Urban Blossom, Addison, TX
Outstanding Manufacturers' Rep:Chuck Burke, OneCoast
Industry Achievement:Howard Ganz, Ganz
It is with singular pride that this year we will also honor one of our own. Larry Rotondi — former publisher of Gifts & Decorative Accessories and friend to the industry for over 30 years — will receive a special tribute of recognition for his years of contribution and service to the industry. Although last year we lost him too soon, the memory of his life and his service remains.
(Editor's Note: Award winners will be recognized at the REA Gala, August 12, 2007. For additional information visit www.giftsanddec.com.)
