A Shared Vision for the Future
euro a go go has been organizing exceptional, value-driven packages tailored for retailers, architects and designers, igniting creativity, inspiring innovation, and cultivating meaningful connections and a sense of community within our dynamic industry, since 2008. We’re all about creative collisions, where curiosity meets collaboration and design sparks retail conversations. That same spirit fuels our partnership with PAVE Global, as we come together to champion the next generation of designers and thinkers through the Retail Design Experience Award 2026.
This student competition celebrates the emerging voices shaping the future of retail, those exploring what happens when design, emotion, and experience converge.
Together, euro a go go and PAVE share a belief in the power of mentorship, education, and creative exchange to drive fresh thinking and lasting impact across the retail design community.
Empowering Emerging Talent
The Retail Design Experience Award invites students to push boundaries and reimagine how thoughtful, human-centred design connects people and brands in physical spaces.
Open to upper-level undergraduate and graduate students across North America studying Interior Design or Architecture, the competition encourages participants to blend creativity, strategy, and empathy to shape future-forward retail environments that truly resonate.
More than a design challenge, this initiative bridges education and industry, giving rising talent real access to the minds redefining global retail, including euro a go go’s ever-inspiring network of creative professionals that attend our portfolio of industry events.
Mentorship at EuroShop 2026
Here’s where it gets exciting.
The winning student is awarded a fully sponsored, 5-day inclusive euro a go go experience to explore the world’s largest retail industry trade fair and the opportunity to join our mentorship programme at EuroShop 2026 in Düsseldorf, spending a day paired with one of our esteemed judges as part of the euro a go go programme and itinerary.
From exploring the show floor to joining curated cultural and retail design tours, this one-of-a-kind experience offers a front-row seat to the creative energy that defines our global community.
Meet Our Esteemed 2026 Judging Panel
We’re honoured to spotlight our 2026 judging panel; an inspiring lineup of retail leaders, creative innovators, and euro a go go alumni who brought their passion, expertise, and unique perspectives to this year’s competition.
Representing a range of disciplines, from brand strategy and architecture to visual storytelling and experiential design, these judges embody the spirit of creative collaboration that’s at the heart of euro a go go.
Even better? As confirmed attendees of euro a go go 2026, each of our judges will also play a hands-on role in the mentorship programme, spending time with the winning student throughout the show, walking the floor, exchanging ideas, and inspiring the next generation of design thinkers.
A heartfelt thank you to each of our judges for their time, enthusiasm, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of design talent.
Here’s your moment to shine!
Ana Borrallo
Brand and Art Director, Borrallo Interiors
Spanish-born designer Ana Borrallo moved to Montreal 34 years ago, where she founded an avant-garde design studio renowned for its contemporary and international approach to interiors.
Collaborating closely with architects, artisans, and artists, Ana undertakes projects of every scale, from residential and commercial spaces to boutiques and hotels — infusing each with a strong, cohesive vision grounded in wholeness, authenticity, and dignity.
Renowned for her natural integration of materials that serve as a canvas for the design and selection of furniture, textiles, hardware, and art, Ana is recognized as a true designer of space and light. Every project she undertakes is meticulously customized and one-of-a-kind.
Emotionally and visually powerful, her work has been described by The Globe and Mail as “a tribute to pared-down elegance.” Through a refined interplay of sophistication, surprise, and a distinctive mix of antique and contemporary elements, her interiors transcend trends and remain timeless.
Deeply influenced by her Spanish heritage, enriched by Canadian closeness to nature, and shaped by her international perspective, Ana’s studio has completed projects in Montreal, New York, Miami, Chicago, Madrid, and Marbella.
She currently divides her time between Montreal and Madrid.
James Farnell
Retail Practice Leader, Little
James Farnell is a passionate designer committed to creating distinctive experiences globally. As the Retail Practice Leader at Little, a leading retail design and brand positioning firm in North America, he oversees the strategic expansion of a diverse practice renowned for delivering exceptional design solutions that enhance retailer performance from concept to implementation across the entire retail spectrum.
James holds Chartered Designer status from the Chartered Society of Designers, is a Certified Interior Designer, Professional Member, Fellow, and former International President and Chairman of the Retail Design Institute. He has contributed to several prestigious international awards committees and recently served as the International Awards Chair of the RDI. Additionally, he is a frequent speaker at major industry conferences, including ICSC ReCon, EuroShop, the International Retail Design Conference, and NRF’s Big Show.
Mardi Najafi
Principal, Chief Creative Officer, and Retail & Hospitality Practice Lead, SDI Design
Mardi Najafi is an award-winning designer and visionary creative leader with over 30 years of experience shaping the global design landscape. As Principal, Chief Creative Officer, and Retail & Hospitality Practice Lead at SDI Design, he is celebrated for his multidisciplinary approach and his passion for crafting immersive, emotionally resonant spaces. His international portfolio spans Paris, New York, and Toronto, featuring high-profile collaborations with brands such as Adidas, Nike, Coca-Cola, Loblaws, Virgin Mobile, and Versace.
A two-term President of the Retail Design Institute Canada and the first Canadian inducted into its prestigious Legion of Honor, Mardi continues to influence and elevate the design industry. A dedicated educator, mentor, and speaker, he inspires the next generation of designers. Known for fusing art, commerce, and culture with meticulous attention to detail, Mardi redefines experiential design, creating lasting impact and meaningful human connection beyond the physical space.
Marie-Pierre Bossé
Senior Director, Store Design & Special Projects, Groupe Dynamite
Marie-Pierre Bossé is a multidisciplinary leader with over 20 years of experience in retail and commercial design. She holds degrees in Architecture, Industrial Design, and Business Administration (MBA), along with PMP certification and Agile training.
As Senior Director at Groupe Dynamite, she leads store design and special projects across North America and Europe for brands including Garage and Dynamite, overseeing over 300 projects; flagships, renovations, and new builds in major markets like New York, Dubai, London and Montreal.
Her award-winning work blends architecture, branding, and customer experience, earning accolades such as Gold and Platinum Grand Prix du Design and the Cecobois Excellence Award.
A founding member of STUDIO, a Montreal-based creative collective, she is also passionate about sustainable construction and design innovation. Known for her strategic mindset and creative leadership, Marie-Pierre continues to shape the future of experiential retail and design.
Scott Hill
Director of Store Design, Albertsons Companies
Scott Hill is the Director of Store Design at Albertsons Companies, bringing over 25 years of experience in retail design and planning. Scott leads new store concept creation and décor development, ensuring environments that elevate customer experience while driving operational efficiency. His expertise spans interior and exterior design standards, scalable décor packages, and advanced digital workflows, including BIM optimization. Scott’s leadership has shaped innovative store formats and remodel strategies that balance creativity with business impact.
Winnie Leung
Director of Store Design, Indigo
Winnie has been deeply dedicated to her craft of creating user-centric spaces and sharing that passion with others for nearly two decades. As the Director of Store Design at Indigo, Canada's leading destination for booklovers, she leads the development of innovative retail environments, designing engaging and flexible spaces that serve as physical expressions of the brand, while delivering an elevated customer experience.
Winnie’s recent projects include Indigo at The Well, a flagship store in downtown Toronto that seamlessly integrates immersive design with community spaces. This project, along with others, has earned multiple industry accolades, including recognition from the Retail Design Institute, Retail Council of Canada, Retail TouchPoints, ARIDO, and AWMAC.
Beyond her role at Indigo, Winnie remains committed to nurturing the next generation of designers through her active involvement with design schools, where she serves as a mentor, guest critic, and speaker. Winnie also serves as the Chair of Marketing, supporting the Retail Design Institute’s mission and advancing the dialogue around retail design.
James Farnell
Retail Practice Leader, Little
James Farnell is a passionate designer committed to creating distinctive experiences globally. As the Retail Practice Leader at Little, a leading retail design and brand positioning firm in North America, he oversees the strategic expansion of a diverse practice renowned for delivering exceptional design solutions that enhance retailer performance from concept to implementation across the entire retail spectrum.
James holds Chartered Designer status from the Chartered Society of Designers, is a Certified Interior Designer, Professional Member, Fellow, and former International President and Chairman of the Retail Design Institute. He has contributed to several prestigious international awards committees and recently served as the International Awards Chair of the RDI. Additionally, he is a frequent speaker at major industry conferences, including ICSC ReCon, EuroShop, the International Retail Design Conference, and NRF’s Big Show.
Mardi Najafi
Principal, Chief Creative Officer, and Retail & Hospitality Practice Lead, SDI Design
Mardi Najafi is an award-winning designer and visionary creative leader with over 30 years of experience shaping the global design landscape. As Principal, Chief Creative Officer, and Retail & Hospitality Practice Lead at SDI Design, he is celebrated for his multidisciplinary approach and his passion for crafting immersive, emotionally resonant spaces. His international portfolio spans Paris, New York, and Toronto, featuring high-profile collaborations with brands such as Adidas, Nike, Coca-Cola, Loblaws, Virgin Mobile, and Versace.
A two-term President of the Retail Design Institute Canada and the first Canadian inducted into its prestigious Legion of Honor, Mardi continues to influence and elevate the design industry. A dedicated educator, mentor, and speaker, he inspires the next generation of designers. Known for fusing art, commerce, and culture with meticulous attention to detail, Mardi redefines experiential design, creating lasting impact and meaningful human connection beyond the physical space.
Marie-Pierre Bossé
Senior Director, Store Design & Special Projects, Groupe Dynamite
Marie-Pierre Bossé is a multidisciplinary leader with over 20 years of experience in retail and commercial design. She holds degrees in Architecture, Industrial Design, and Business Administration (MBA), along with PMP certification and Agile training.
As Senior Director at Groupe Dynamite, she leads store design and special projects across North America and Europe for brands including Garage and Dynamite, overseeing over 300 projects; flagships, renovations, and new builds in major markets like New York, Dubai, London and Montreal.
Her award-winning work blends architecture, branding, and customer experience, earning accolades such as Gold and Platinum Grand Prix du Design and the Cecobois Excellence Award.
A founding member of STUDIO, a Montreal-based creative collective, she is also passionate about sustainable construction and design innovation. Known for her strategic mindset and creative leadership, Marie-Pierre continues to shape the future of experiential retail and design.
Scott Hill
Director of Store Design, Albertsons Companies
Scott Hill is the Director of Store Design at Albertsons Companies, bringing over 25 years of experience in retail design and planning. Scott leads new store concept creation and décor development, ensuring environments that elevate customer experience while driving operational efficiency. His expertise spans interior and exterior design standards, scalable décor packages, and advanced digital workflows, including BIM optimization. Scott’s leadership has shaped innovative store formats and remodel strategies that balance creativity with business impact.
Winnie Leung
Director of Store Design, Indigo
Winnie has been deeply dedicated to her craft of creating user-centric spaces and sharing that passion with others for nearly two decades. As the Director of Store Design at Indigo, Canada's leading destination for booklovers, she leads the development of innovative retail environments, designing engaging and flexible spaces that serve as physical expressions of the brand, while delivering an elevated customer experience.
Winnie’s recent projects include Indigo at The Well, a flagship store in downtown Toronto that seamlessly integrates immersive design with community spaces. This project, along with others, has earned multiple industry accolades, including recognition from the Retail Design Institute, Retail Council of Canada, Retail TouchPoints, ARIDO, and AWMAC.
Beyond her role at Indigo, Winnie remains committed to nurturing the next generation of designers through her active involvement with design schools, where she serves as a mentor, guest critic, and speaker. Winnie also serves as the Chair of Marketing, supporting the Retail Design Institute’s mission and advancing the dialogue around retail design.
Looking Ahead
As we look toward EuroShop 2026, we’re inspired by the ideas already emerging from this initiative, ideas that don’t just imagine the future of retail design but help create it.
Stay tuned as we share more about the competition, the winner, and celebrate the next wave of creative talent shaping tomorrow’s retail experience.
The Countdown Is On! TWO iconic cities, ONE unforgettable experience.
Join us for a curated week of cultural immersion, design inspiration, and meaningful retail connection during EuroShop in Düsseldorf— and extend the journey with us on The Road Trip to London!
Limited Availability! This event fills up quickly every time — don’t miss your chance to be part of it!
Want to be part of the excitement? Visit Our Events | euro a go go for the latest updates coming Fall 2025, or Contact Us | euro a go go to join the mailing list and be the first to receive all the details.
The best is yet to come.
See you there!
Düsseldorf: A City That Loves to Shop
Düsseldorf is not just home to EuroShop – it’s also one of Europe’s top shopping cities. Take a stroll down the Königsallee, a luxury boulevard lined with flagship stores and designer boutiques. Explore the Carlstadt district with its galleries and artisan shops. Or check out Flingern and MedienHafen, known for edgy fashion and lifestyle concepts. And don’t miss Little Tokyo, where cafés, bookstores, and boutiques bring Japanese culture to life.
