The finalists for the 2023 Showroom of the Year (SOTY) Awards, honoring outstanding lighting retailers across North America, have been selected by the competition’s judging panel.
Judging criteria includes merchandising display, marketing and advertising, customer service and engagement, employee education and motivation, and community involvement. Five Showroom of the Year finalists are named in each of three dollar-volume categories: Revenue Under $2 Million, Revenue $2 Million-$5 Million, and Revenue $5 Million and Over.
The winners will be announced at a 6pm ceremony on Wednesday, June 21, during Lightovation at the Dallas Market Center (DMC). The event is open to all Lightovation attendees.
The annual awards program, now celebrating its 14th year, is presented by Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine and Lightovation at DMC. The finalists in all three categories are profiled in Furniture, Lighting & Decor’s May issue.
“These showrooms are the best in the business, and we look forward to celebrating their creativity and success,” said Cindy Morris, President & CEO, Dallas Market Center. “Please join us this summer to see how these independent retailers make a difference in their communities and elevate the industry.”
Finalists in the Revenue Under $2 Million category are:
- Alcott & Bentley, Louisville, KY
- First Choice Electric Supply, Newark, NY
- LED Capstone, Vero Beach, FL
- One Source Lighting, Billings, MT
- Tidewater Lighting & Design, Madison, CT
Finalists in the Revenue $2 Million-$5 Million category are:
- Christie’s Lighting Gallery, Fletcher NC
- Georgia Lighting, Sugar Hill, GA
- Progressive Lighting, Atlanta, GA
- Tallahassee Lighting & Decor, Tallahassee, FL
- The Lighting Corner, Grandville, MI
Finalists in the Revenue $5 Million and Over category are:
- Cartwright Lighting & Furniture, Calgary, Alberta, CA
- Best Plumbing & Lighting, Edmonton, Alberta, CA
- Lee Lighting, Pineville, NC
- Inline Lighting, Montgomery, AL
- Park Lighting & Furniture, Edmonton, Alberta, CA
“This year’s Showroom of the Year finalists have exhibited what it takes to put customers first,” says Diane Falvey, Editor-in-Chief of Furniture, Lighting & Decor. “From customer service to education, product selection and pivotal roles in their communities, our lighting showroom finalists this year exemplify retail excellence.”
All finalists are also eligible for three specialty awards: Outstanding Merchandising Display, Exceptional Community Involvement and Social Media Star, an award that industry members help select.
This year, 50 percent of the scoring for the Social Media Star Award will be determined by “likes” posted to finalist profiles within the Showroom of the Year Social Media Star Event on Furniture, Lighting & Decor’s Facebook page, starting May 2 and continuing through May 12. Official judges’ scores complete the remaining 50 percent of scoring for that category.
The judges this year’s competition is an esteemed panel of industry professionals: Patrick Keiser, Founder of Heart on Mainstreet, a non-profit organization designed to help independent retailers thrive; Michelle Sherrier, Founder of MC Design Collaboration and The Retail Whore Podcast; and Erinn Valencich, Founder/Lead Designer at Erinn V. Design Group, Product Designer and Founder of StyleRow, a project management platform for interior designers.
Follow the Lightovation Facebook page and the Lightovation-Lighting Industry Discussion Group on Facebook for additional details about the June awards presentation and Social Media Star Award voting. And follow the #SOTYAwards hashtag for all of the latest news regarding the Showroom of the Year Awards.
SPECIAL NOTE: It’s not too late to make your Lightovation reservation. DMC partner hotels are still offering new, lower rates to support buyer travel budgets. While the official lighting hotel, Sheraton Dallas, is sold out there are other nearby options. Dozens of hotels, many within walking distance of the campus, are offering updated rates as low as $124. Rates valid until 2 weeks prior to Market, based on availability and are subject to change at any time. Reach out to Market Travel online or by calling 214-744-7444.
