Nintendo of America has announced the winners of this year's creative merchandising contest (see 'New Nintendo Retailer Merchandising Contest'), designed to support the Pokemon TCG and hobby retailers.
Nintendo National Sales Manager (Trading Card Division) Dean Irwin told us that there were many very good entries, making the final winner decisions difficult. He was pleased with the time, energy and creativity demonstrated by the participants in organizing school field trips, making Pokemon costumes, creating displays and enormous Pokemon replicas, painting a store Pokemon, and more.
The Grand Prize winner, receiving a $10,000 store makeover, was Republic Jewelry & Collectibles of Auburn, Maine.
Second Prize, a $5,000 advertising budget, went to Mission Fun & Games in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada.
Three third prizes, 42' plasma televisions, went to Dizzy Dugout (Collinsville, Illinois), Fantasci-The Game Shop (Manahawkin, New Jersey) and Kryptonite Kollectibles (Janesville, Wisconsin).
Five additional top ten retailers won hi-tech LED store signs:
4th St. Boutique, Moore, Oklahoma
Comic Connection, Hamilton, Ontario
Gnome Games Tournament Center, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Reader Copies, Anderson, Indiana
Safari Pearl, Moscow, Idaho
