Among the retail winners of our 8th annual Merchandising Awards are the same stores the International Casual Furnishings Association selected as finalists for the 2008 Apollo Awards. Maybe the repetition is a sign of doing business in a small industry or maybe it’s because these stores are a step above others across the nation. You decide.

Casual Living’s Merchandising Awards honor casual furniture retailers who show visual appeal through outstanding vignettes indoors and out, good signage and an inviting store front. We appreciate all of you who submitted photos for consideration. The number of entries we receive grows each year. Our Merchandising Awards winners, selected in early May, are featured in this issue.

ICFA’s annual Apollo Awards recognize retail excellence in sales and marketing of outdoor furnishings. Finalists must demonstrate outstanding accomplishments and commitment to customer service.

Drum roll, please, …

2008 Apollo Award finalists

Dodds & Eder, Oyster Bay, N.Y.

Fruehauf’s Patio & Garden, Boulder, Colo.

Kolo Collection, Atlanta, Ga.

Leisure Living, Salt Lake City, Utah

Sunnyland Furniture, Dallas, Texas

Williams Patio Furniture,

Highland Park, Ill.

Carls Patio, Coconut Creek, Fla.

Greenhouse Mall, Austin, Texas

Paddy O’ Furniture, Phoenix, Ariz.

Patios Plus, Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Robb & Stucky Patio, Fort Myers, Fla.

Yard Art & Fireplace, Irving, Texas

ICFA manufacturer members will select the winners in August. Finalists will be honored and the winners announced at a gala awards banquet Sept. 17, during the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market in Chicago. The ICFA and Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. are co-sponsors of the event, to be held at Chicago’s Navy Pier.