Every year the National Kitchen and Bath Association recognizes the most innovative showrooms in the kitchen and bath world. The awards are a perenial point of interest for remodelers, as they serve as a well of inspiration for their own showrooms. This year, on account of the pandemic, that well is expected to be particularly deep. Nominations open today.
“This year, our industry’s showrooms were forced to rethink their business strategies and how to engage with their clients," says Suzie Williford, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer of NKBA, in a statment. "Many of them stepped up to the challenge and designed new virtual showroom experiences, provided ‘curbside’ concierge service and hosted more video consultations and demonstrations than they care to count."
Category Update
To reflect this year's unique and challenging circumstances, the associations has updated its criteria, including an altogether new category for pop-ups, mobile, and virtual showrooms. Here is a full list of categories:
Kitchen & Bath Design Centers: 3 winners
o Small: under 2,500 square feet
o Medium: 2,500 – 5,000 square feet
o Large: 5,000+ square feet
Traditional Independent Multi-brand/multi-product showroom: 3 winners
o Small: under 2,500 square feet
o Medium: 2,500 – 5,000 square feet
o Large: 5,000+ square feet
Multi-Location Multi-brand/multi-product showroom: 2 winners
o Medium: 2,500 – 5,000 square feet
o Large: 5,000+ square feet
Brand-Specific Non-selling Experience Centers: 1 winner
Unique Showroom Application (pop-up, mobile, virtual): 1 winner
Nominating
All requirements for entry can be found here, and submissions can be entered here. Submissions must be completed by November 9.