GIA Awards 2026
in Chicago
On the occasion of the annual GIA Awards ceremony in Chicago, we once again travelled to the USA with part of the team. Wolfgang Gruschwitz was once again part of the jury this year.
About the GIA Award
The GIA Award (Global Innovation Awards) in Chicago is one of the most important international awards for outstanding innovations in the retail sector. Every year, the International Housewares Association (IHA) visionary concepts, excellent design and forward-looking business models. As a long-standing juror, Wolfgang Gruschwitz is an integral part of this selection process and contributes his expertise in the field of retail design to the evaluation of the best international concepts - this year he was once again on site to help shape the future of retail.
The prize winners
Cabinet, Australia
A community hub where gastronomy and retail come together.
Excellent storytelling that respects the history of the old building while enhancing it with creative new design elements.
Kabinett is a shop where you enjoy spending time and exploring the surroundings – the mood and atmosphere are convincing; creatively layered experiences and product stories contribute to „retailtainment“.
Kitchen Centre, Chile
A true experience centre where products are actively showcased and offer experiences that are not possible online.
Beautiful minimalism in presentation and merchandising, calming colour palette – less is more.
Brand humanisation through influencers showing products in use, as well as an exemplary social media and digital strategy.
Casa Cuesta, Dominican Republic
A shop staged like a theatre – strong visual storytelling with effective use of colours, textures, and dramatic settings.
Very stylishly designed, with small alcoves and in-store moments that appeal emotionally.
Aesthetically staged, vibrant tables and seasonally changing pop-up displays.
Presenting multiple categories to encourage cross-selling and a higher ROI.
SCHÄFFER, Germany
Exceptional customer loyalty through exciting, unique in-store experiences and activities.
Very strong sense of social responsibility and clear, consistent commitment to sustainability.
High-quality visual merchandising with WOW effects through eye-catching, elaborately designed decorations and themed pop-up areas.
The Culinary Institute of America – Marketplace at Copia, USA
The retail centre of the Copia Food and Beverage Center at the Culinary Institute of America, including the Hestan Teaching Kitchen and the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum – a school, museum, and store all in one.
Expertly curated gourmet kitchen store with a selection of rare and high-quality homeware.
Dynamic, vertically oriented displays for maximum visual impact.
Impressions
The Gruschwitz team was live at the Global Innovation Awards (GIA) and was not only able to celebrate outstanding retail concepts, but also gain valuable insights into international design and innovation standards. These impressions flow directly into our work - always with the aim of creating visionary designs for our customers.
Pictures: International Housewares Association