Entries for the 2013 POPAI Marketing at Retail Awards is now open.

After last year’s record of 183 entries, this year’s is expected to benchmark the nation’s best in retail and shopper marketing in 2013.

“Last year was a record in entry numbers, and in the broad nature of entrant companies; something we expect to see again in 2013,” said general manager Karen Spear.

“The Marketing at Retail awards have become the national industry barometer for best practice. This is the platform for companies to tell their success stories, large and small. Effectiveness is as important as innovation; it’s all about what works, in a dynamically changing retail space.”

There are four major industry awards – retail marketing, shopper marketing, innovation and design. There will be 18 categories in total including, point of purchase, store design, promotional marketing, in-store media and windows display.

The 2013 Marketing at Retail Awards entries will be showcased in September at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Winners will be announced at the POPAI Gala Award Dinner on 25 September in Sydney, attended by more than 500 industry heavyweights representing major retailers, brands, suppliers and agencies.

“Every year surprises us. New campaigns, new entrants and winners, and previously awarded companies taking their work to a whole new level.  It’s exciting. We encourage companies to enter, share their success stories, and find out what the rest of the industry is doing. It’s the biggest milestone on the 2013 industry calendar,” Spears said.

Entries close on 26 July 2013. More information on the 2013 POPAI Marketing at Retail Awards may be found at www.popai.com.au.