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From your shop floor to Chicago's biggest stage

Every year, the gia Excellence in Retailing Awards - the Global Innovation Awards for home and housewares retail - put stores from over 30 countries side by side and celebrate the best of them. The New Zealand winner of the Excellence in Retailing award is flown to The Inspired Home Show in Chicago in March 2027. Finalists in the Top Window and Digital Commerce categories join them if they progress to the global final round, recognised alongside some of the sharpest retailers in the world.


RX Group is the appointed New Zealand national partner for the gia Awards, run by the International Housewares Association. Our job is simple: find great New Zealand retailers, help them through the entry process, and take the winner to Chicago.

Past entrants have told us it's been one of the most valuable things they've done for their business - not just the recognition, but the feedback, the connections, and the chance to see world-class retail up close.

Three ways to enter

You don't need a polished submission to get started. Pick the category (or categories) that suit your store, and send us the basics - we'll help you build out the rest if you're shortlisted.

  • Excellence in Retailing Celebrates the stores raising the bar across New Zealand's home and housewares scene. Send: 5-10 photos of your store and best displays.

  • Top Window Award For the window displays that stop people in their tracks. Send: 3-5 high quality photos - wide shots plus detail close ups. Shooting at dusk or on a cloudy day helps avoid reflections. A short video is welcome but optional.

  • Digital Commerce Award Recognising excellence in online retail, from site design through to customer service and innovation. No photos required. Send: your website link and social media handles.

Why it's worth your time

  • Compete with, and be honoured alongside, global peers

  • Local and global recognition, visibility and positive PR

  • Expert feedback and benchmarking to sharpen your business

  • A chance to win a trip to The Inspired Home Show in Chicago, 9-11 March 2027

Ready to shine?

If you have any questions or want to talk it through before registering, just get in touch. Sophie Hill runs the judging process and is happy to have a conversation about whether gia is the right fit for your store. Sophie@rxgroup.co.nz




PAST WINNERS


 
 
 

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