The Retail Observer is an industry leading magazine for INDEPENDENT RETAILERS in Major Appliances, Consumer Electronics and Home Furnishings
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1544098
APRIL 2026 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 13 – Traditional Independent Multi-brand/Product Showroom: Awards for small, medium, and large independent show- rooms that sell/display products from various brands. Small (under 2,500 square feet): Northeast Architectural, Montclair, NJ. Designer: Janine Flamer Medium (2,500 to 5,000 square feet): 4-A Collection Design, Cresskill, NJ. Designer: Matt Dagistanli Large (more than 5,000 square feet): Central Surfaces, Roeland Park, KS. Designer: Meg Hilburn – Multi-Location, Multi-Product Showroom: Medium or large showrooms that sell/display various products and brands but are owned by the same company. Medium (2,500 to 5,000 square feet): Herb and Oak Design Studio, Westfield, NJ. Designer: Jennifer Lyden Large (more than 5,000 square feet): Basco Appliances, Bend, OR. Designer: Hannah Hacker, CMKBD – Unique Showroom Application: A non-traditional/non- brick-and-mortar showroom that uses unique showcasing solutions: mobile, virtual, pop-up, etc. Winner: Gramophone Design Build, Hunt Valley, MD. Designer: Stephanie Twarowski – Brand Specific Non-Selling Experience Centers: The showroom that best represents a single brand and focuses on the design/product experience and function. Winner: SKS at the MART, Chicago, IL. Designer: Jaclyn Traylor • NKBA Global Connect NKBA's Global Connect international membership program continues to grow, now spanning the globe with members and Strategic Alliance Partners in 19 countries. Global Connect is designed to build awareness of the nuances, regulations, distribution processes, and more in the North American market and help international brands gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to make a successful foray into the market. At KBIS, three members shared their brand stories with custom events and presentations. L&S Lighting (Italy), Ballerina Küchen (Germany) and SCHOTT CERAN (Germany) presented details of their latest products and innovative technology, while Strategic Alliance Partner IAPMO, an international leader in product certification across global markets, detailed the process and significance of product verification in entering the North American market. IAPMO VP John Watson offered insights on certifying products to comply with U.S. standards to orchestrate a successful entry in North America. As a Global Connect advisor, IAPMO is available to provide strategic advice to Global Connect members who subscribe to the program. Global Connect also brought nearly a dozen international business journalists – this year, from the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Brazil – to KBIS to learn about the innovations, technologies, and new products emerging in the U.S. and Canada and share in their markets. • Voices From the Industry Conference (VFTI) The highly regarded VFTI professional development series, sponsored by Fabuwood, offered compelling presentations by expert instructors designed to build awareness and skills in seven learning tracks: Building & Remodeling, Leadership & Management, Design, Kitchen & Bath Trends, Marketing, Sustainability and Technology. New for 2026, "Wine & Design" panel discussions (with light bites and beverages) at the end of each day's sessions covered engaging topics, including "From Ruin to Renewal: The Role of Design After Disaster," about disaster recovery and preparedness in design; "Inclusive by Design: Creating Spaces for Diverse Needs and Life Stages," which explored best practices to create environments for accessibility and diverse needs, and "The Wellness Blueprint: Spaces that Nurture Body, Mind, and Spirit," which discussed how intentional design, color, texture, and material choices transform everyday environments into spaces of healing, connection, and emotional alignment. • Best Booth Awards The Best Booth Awards at KBIS honor exhibitor's creativity and presentations that showcase their products and trends in unique, transformative settings. The awards recognized 11 winners by category and by size. – Top booths by size: Best in Show: Kohler Best Grand Booth: Daltile Best Large Booth: Fabuwood Best Medium Booth: Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry Best Small Booth: IKONNI – Winners by Category: Best New Exhibitor: Cava Surfaces Best Surfaces Booth: Cosentino Best Appliance Booth: GE Appliances Best Cabinetry Booth: Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry Best Plumbing Booth: Kohler Best Hardware, Lighting & Accessories: Plank Hardware The next edition of KBIS returns to Las Vegas, Feb. 2 to 4, 2027, with the Design & Industry Awards held on Feb. 1. Registration opens in September. Visit www.kbis.com for more information. RO KBIS: BIG SUCCESS IN ORLANDO