After such a disruptive time for retail, we are excited to announce the launch of the Retail Excellence Store of the Year Awards 2021. This year’s awards is all about celebrating resilience, creativity and community. As part of the application submission, we have produced this visual inspiration guide, which is designed to show you how we define and judge the awards, based upon the ‘10 Pillars of Excellence’. True retail excellence comes from great product and service, but also the retail experience. In a world where customers can buy anything and everything online, real stores need to connect and inspire in ever deeper ways: Store design sets the stage. Enthusiastic expertise through storytelling, communication and curated solutions, establishes authority. Creative merchandising and design engineers desire. From big brands to small independents and from fashion to food, let us celebrate Irish retail excellence in 2021!