Since 1976, the Canadian Gift & Tableware Association (CGTA) has recognized outstanding achievement in Canadian retailing through the Retailer of the Year awards competition. Criteria include visual merchandising and store design, business achievement, advertising and promotion, and community involvement. 

DOWNLOAD a 2012 Retailer of the Year (ROY) entry form here.

For more information, contact CGTA Special Events Manager, Margo Warren at (416) 642-1045 or (800) 611-6100 ext. 1045. E-mail: margo@cgta.org.

Retailer of the Year The Cross Décor & Design Year: 2011 Stunning Yaletown boutique, The Cross Décor & Design, takes home the CGTA's most coveted award -- 2011 Retailer of the Year. Located in a converted heritage building at the crossroads of the historic Yaletown and Vancouver's downtown west end, The Cross has been in business for eight years and features 5,000 square feet of beautifully appointed accessories and found objects, gorgeous antiques and exquisite furnishings. The Cross prides itself on inspiring customer service and owners Darci Ilich and Stephanie Vogler believe each visit to their store is an opportunity to captivate the customer with an experience like no other. More Details
Retailer of Distinction Zone Year: 2011 With five stylish, urban store-front locations across Quebec and Ontario and over 30 years in the retail business, modern home décor retailer Zone continues to make its mark on the Canadian retail landscape by winning one of two 2011 Retailer of Distinction awards. Offering a full line of home furnishings including furniture, lighting, kitchen and bathroom accessories, kids products and even gift items like jewellery and watches, Zone stays current by refreshing their product offering frequently and always stays current by refreshing their product offering frequently and always stays plugged-in to the newest and most innovative décor trends. More Details
Retailer of Distinction Bloomers at the Market Year: 2011 Considered one of London's first combination flower shops and known for their innovative approach to floral design, Bloomers at the Market continues to impress with exemplary customer service and a strong commitment to the environment. Located in London's historic Covent Garden Market, the shop is set up in a unique open-concept layout, allowing the retailer to take advantage of a lively community, while supporting the local food movement by sourcing flowers and fresh produce from other market vendors and local suppliers. Bloomers founder, Ian Greasley says, “Establishing our shop as the city's leader in the flower and gift business is something I'm extremely proud of. We're thrilled to be recognized with this award.” More Details
Last Year's Winner: Overall Canadian Retailer of the Year KINGSMILL'S, London, Ontario Year: 2010
Last Year's Winner: Retailer of Distinction BRADSHAW'S, Straftford, Ontario Year: 2010
Last Year's Winner: Retailer of Distinction HOME ON WATER ST., St. John's Newfoundland Year: 2010