New Look MAPIC Awards 2012 Contest Is Now Open

"The MAPIC Awards categories have evolved to better represent market trends. Innovation is now a key element of development for retailers, both in architectural design, the multi-channel mix, and in service offer," says Nathalie Depetro, Director of MAPIC.

The seven new categories of the MAPIC Awards are:

Best fashion & footwear retail concept: this rewards the most original concept from a fashion and footwear retail company through the singularity of the product, innovative positioning, use of new technologies, interior design, or advertising campaign.

Best food & beverage retail concept: this rewards the food and beverage retail company that has demonstrated the most original product offerings, integration of new consumer trends, or interior design and architecture of its stores.

Best high street retail real estate development: this rewards the most innovative city-centre development project. Special attention will be paid to the quality of concept, project integration within the urban environment and its economic viability.

Best retailtainment concept: this rewards the best incorporation of cultural, recreational, or entertainment dimensions into a new, developing or refurbished retail concept. The shopping experience and the skill in creating a special atmosphere will be key criteria for the jury.

Best multichannel strategy: this rewards the most effective mix of physical and online stores in boosting sales.

Best global retail expansion: this rewards the retailer that has experienced the most significant growth on a regional or international scale over the last year. Qualitative and quantitative criteria will be considered, including the number of stores opened, the expansion strategy and marketing campaigns.

Most innovative shopping centre: this rewards the best integration of an innovative concept in a shopping centre through customer loyalty programmes, communication campaigns, or architectural features.

In addition, as Russia is this year's MAPIC Country of Honour, special recognition will be granted to the Russian Personality of the Year, a key player in retail real estate from Russia.

Chaired by Frederic LALOUM, Directeur General Adjoint/Membre du Directoire of Altarea (France), the jury, comprised of high-profile retail real estate experts, will meet in September to select three finalists for each category.

The jury is composed of experts from the retail real estate sector: 

• Mr. John STRACHAN, Global Head of Retail, Cushman & Wakefield LLP (United Kingdom)
• Mr. Alain BOUTIGNY,  Editor-in-Chief, Sites Commerciaux (France)
• Mr. Yann GUEN, Vice-President, Mayland Real Estate (Poland)
• M. Jacques SINKE, Director of International Retail, MAB Development Group (The Netherlands)
• Mr. Klaus STRIEBICH, Managing Director Leasing, ECE Projektmanagement (Germany)

Practical Information:
MAPIC Awards 2012 entrants have until Friday, September 7^th to make their submission. For more information on the rules of the competition, click here.

The winners will be revealed during the MAPIC Awards Gala Dinner to be held on Thursday, November 15^th at the Martinez Hotel in Cannes. After the dinner, all MAPIC participants will join the winners for the traditional MAPIC Awards evening.

For editors:

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SOURCE Reed MIDEM