The store of the year is…

Shop!, the global non-profit trade association dedicated to enhancing retail environments and experiences, has announced the winners of its 46th year annual store design competition, and a specialty store took top honors.



With a design that celebrates the artisan heritage of one of the oldest footwear companies in America, the Frye Company’s store in Denver, was named Store of The Year. The 2,460-sq.-ft. store offers shoppers a warm and comfortable space, with a modern ski-lodge aesthetic and dramatic but highly efficient lighting.



Customers first encounter the fireplace room, where fur and shearling boot styles address Denver’s cold weather and ski culture. Local references include the massive working fireplace, dressed with stone from local quarries, and rugs woven with American Indian motifs.



In line with the company’s footwear, the focus is on real and authentic materials — wood, stone, glazed tile, steel, and aluminum, all gently treated to expose their inherent beauty.



The Denver store is Frye’s ninth. The company, founded in 1863, opened its first freestanding store in New York City’s SoHo district in 2011. Now owned by Global Brands Group, Frye operates 13 stores, with additional locations scheduled to open in 2017.



To see the complete list of all the winners of Shop!’s store design competition, click here.