Schuheinderstadt.at and Rieder Shoes awarded
Creativity in brick-and-mortar retail is convincing both locally and online: Two businesses were honored in this year's competition, "Most Creative Window Display Design 2025," organized by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO).
In the "Most Original Shop Window" category, Veronika Geischnek and Birgit Prünner secured first place with their store Schuheinderstadt.at in Eisenstadt. Their meticulously staged shop window impressively demonstrated how inspiring and service-oriented a brick-and-mortar shoe retailer can be. "For us, the shop window is the stage on which we showcase our passion for shoes. We are delighted that our work has received so much attention," said the two entrepreneurs.
Rieder Shoes in Lienz took home the win in the "social media vote." With a summery display featuring flip-flops, cocktails, and a holiday vibe, the traditional store delighted not only passersby but also its social media community. Rieder Shoes received the most votes on Facebook and Instagram. "Our social media presence today is an extended display—it brings us into direct contact with customers," explained Daniela Herzig-Rieder and Ingo Herzig.
Friedrich Ammaschell, chairman of the Shoe Retailers' Advertising Association, congratulated the winners: "Creative shop windows are the stage for brick-and-mortar retailers – they generate attention, trust, and experiences that are irreplaceable online. Those who also manage to extend this strength into the digital world demonstrate innovative strength and a forward-looking approach."
