The Retail Store Design award is given to a company with a store that demonstrates an innovative, original and visually enticing layout and design. Store design should incorporate brand, strategic traffic flow, consumer demographics matched with needs into the layout. The store should also show optimum shopping experience has been achieved through the store design.

"One of Hbc's core values is to reduce our footprint on the environment, and we've implemented these values at our new store in Waterdown," said Nick Padovano, senior vice president of stores and operations, Hbc. "Not only is this store a showcase for our green initiatives, it also features our new prototype cosmetics, pharmacy, and grocery departments."

Zellers, Waterdown opened on December 1, features windmills, solar panels, energy recovery ventilators, and many more progressive elements that significantly minimizes the store's impact on the environment. The Waterdown location also benefits from eco-friendly initiatives, custom designed, color specific signage and photography aimed at making store navigation and searching for leading brands a more intuitive customer experience. The store features an updated, rustic take on the Zellers diner, a grocery section and a new display concept that showcases jewelry and accessories together in an easy to browse format.

The RCC is a not-for profit, industry funded association that represents the retail industry throughout Canada. The Excellence in Retailing Awards offer retail companies an opportunity to present their best work.