Next Gen Store Awards

Next Gen Store Awards

The first-ever Next Gen Store Awards will celebrate the innovations reshaping the modern in-store experience. As retail evolves, creating spaces that capture consumer attention through community-building activations, unique store concepts and immersive experiences is more important than ever.

This new awards program will honor the brands and retailers experimenting with in-store technology, innovative store formats and standout activations that are redefining how consumers engage with physical retail. Each category will spotlight a curated group of top entries, showcasing a range of standout work and approaches across the industry.

Planning to submit this year? Learn more about this program with our entry kit.

Submit your entries now

Key Dates

  • Early Deadline: May 22, 2026
    $499 per entry
  • Regular Deadline: Jul 10, 2026
    $599 per entry
  • Last Chance Deadline: Aug 21, 2026
    $729 per entry
All deadlines end at 11:59PM PST

Categories

  • Best Store Technology

    Awarding retailers that have effectively used technology to improve the in-store experience, streamline operations or connect physical and digital commerce.

  • Best New Store Concept

    Awarding retailers with a new store concept that rethinks physical retail through design, experience and customer engagement.

  • Best Store Activation

    Awarding in-store activations that have driven customer engagement, foot traffic and brand connection through creative experiences or programming.

  • Best Store Pop-Up

    Awarding temporary retail experiences that have driven buzz, customer engagement and brand discovery.

  • Best In-Store Media

    Awarding the retailers that have used in-store media to effectively engage shoppers and influence purchasing decisions through strategic placement, messaging and creative execution.