Since its inception in 1999, gia has grown in stature to become the leading global award for Housewares retailers in more than 20 countries on five continents. The primary sponsors of the gia award program are the International Housewares Association and the International Home + Housewares Show.

In 2009, over 20 global housewares retailers will be recognized for excellence. Benefit from the merchandising savvy of this group of best-in- class retailers by visiting the gia Showcase where visuals of their award-winning efforts will be on display. Banners for the honored retailers will hang in the walkway between the Lakeside Center and the Grand Concourse.

During the Show, all this year’s selected retailers will be honored at an invitation-only dinner ceremony on Sunday evening, March 22. During that ceremony, up to five retailers will be further singled out as global honorees based on the determination of a distinguished panel of international retail experts.