Mary Fruehauf Retail Genius Award 2020 Call for Nominations

According to Mariah Maydew, who succeeded Mary as president and CEO of Fruehauf’s in Colorado after her death from cancer in 2015, “Mary was a dedicated and passionate person whose creativity of expression sparked a sense of enjoyment and discovery in her customers, community and the national casual furniture industry for over two decades.”

All ICFA retail members are eligible to enter the competition. Competitors for the Mary Fruehauf Retail Genius Award will submit up to three original and creative displays, events, promotions, or concepts that captures the special extra element that makes your company’s retail formula successful while closely channeling Mary’s spirit to create a unique and fun shopping experience.

The winner of the 2020 Mary Fruehauf Retail Genius Award will be announced at the ICFA Educational Conference in San Diego, after lunch on Thursday, February 6, and honored with a distinctive trophy befitting the whimsical style of its namesake. The competition will be judged by industry veterans and close personal friends and colleagues of Mary: Mariah Maydew, Cathy Galbreath-Buzbee, owner of ABSCO Fireplace & Patio, Birmingham, Ala., and Brian Lawrence, president of Emigh’s Casual Living, Sacramento, Calif.

Previous winners were Village Green Home and Garden, Rockford, Ill., in 2018 and Great Gatherings, Gainesville, Va., in 2019.

Eligible retailers are invited to submit descriptions and supporting documentation for up to three related or individual displays, events, promotions, or concepts in the form of photos, videos, screenshots and other downloadable media. Please email your completed entry form here and send digital examples to Michele Morris, mmorris@icfanet.org.