With seven stores and 60 staff across Argentina, CUK is a store that has a simple, yet strong, mission: to create a hassle-free and memorable shopping experience and to always offer a warm, personal touch.

CUK was one of five retailers around the world named as a IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) Global Honoree for Retail Excellence at The Inspired Home Show in Chicago in March. The gia program is sponsored and organized by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA).

Captivation, personalized attention and a variety of quality products are the pillars of success for the retailer. “Our best marketing is good customer service – this is what makes word-of-mouth so effective for us,” explains CUK’s owner, Damian Fleisman.

“For example, one morning a customer bought a cake pan, and we jokingly told her to bring us a slice of cake to try after she had baked in it,” Damian says. “Incredibly, she returned to the shop that very afternoon with the cake and treated the entire team to it! On other occasions, customers have returned with small gifts, such as chocolates, for our staff members to thank them for the excellent service.”

Damian explains that to him, it’s not just about selling products, but also making a customer feel valued, and that’s why they have so many repeat customers: “We hope that when people leave a CUK store, they feel satisfied with having been well served. I believe that when a customer comes in for the first time, they feel valued by us, and this is what makes a difference.”

Damian felt so confident in the brand’s excellent products and service, that he and the team went to Chicago for the gia awards convinced they would become a global honoree.

“To be honest, we were expecting to win because we believed in the brand we’d built,” he says. “We were very happy and really proud of the recognition, and we were able to share this happiness with our families and convey the pride of this award to the entire CUK team. It has reaffirmed our belief in our values ​​of teamwork and excellence in customer service.”

Product Offerings and Building a Brand

CUK has also built its strong brand around a great variety of quality products that are well organized and easy to find, and a shopping experience that is enjoyable and hassle-free.

The gia winning store is in the main shopping center in Buenos Aires, and it’s divided into two main areas: The first features the kitchen and everything needed within it, such as accessories, utensils, preparation products, organization pieces, storage and more. The other area is dedicated to dining and decoration, with everything a customer could need to host a wonderful dinner party, from tableware, glassware and cutlery to more decorative items such as vases, lamps, paintings and even furniture.

There’s also a smaller additional space with a playful, colorful display of brands made for babies and children. After all, they’re always in the kitchen and dining room with the family.

“The balanced combination of the two main categories represent the essence of the CUK brand in a single place—the lifestyle and aesthetics of our brand,” explains Damian. “What I love about our company is the attention to detail that went into designing the store, and the quality and variety of the products offered. Add to this, the commitment of the entire team to the brand, and I think CUK is an excellent place to work.”

The gia expert judges agreed that the visual merchandising at CUK is “pristine, harmonious and inspiring,” also noting that the store layout is well-considered, with unique fixtures highlighting the different product categories. The judges also pointed out how every item has its own place, with wide aisles and sophisticated signage making it a very comfortable store to shop.

Creating an Ambient Atmosphere

Scent, music and lighting are some other elements that differentiate CUK’s approach to retailing. They add to the homely, welcoming atmosphere and the peaceful ambience that leads to people staying longer.

“We have several musical playlists that were specifically developed for the store to provide a backdrop of calm sound, which pleasantly accompanies the shopping experience,” Damian explains.

CUK also has its own exclusive aroma, adding another touch to the multi-sensory shopping experience. The scent is a mix of green tea, cucumber and amber, and it is also offered to the customer in the form of a diffuser.

Lighting is crucial to the CUK experience. “Lighting is what marks out the retail journey for the customer,” Damian says. “Throughout the store, lighting has been strategically placed to enhance the most important spaces and corners, creating focal points that separate one category from another.

The gia judges agreed that the lighting is exceptional. “CUK does something special in each category with lighting, such as highlighting hanging greenery, and this lifts the merchandise up, making it more appealing to the customer,” they commented.

Nurturing Human Connection

Part of CUK’s ongoing success will always be rooted in the importance of human connection and making customers not only feel welcome, but valued.

“The attention that we provide to our customers is what makes us unique,” says Damian. “We always prioritize making sure our customers know that they are being listened to, that they are respected, and that they will always be well advised at a CUK store. We strive to understand their needs and thus we’re able to provide them with the appropriate products.”

As the presence of AI continues to grow, and the world becomes more automated, Damian agrees that applying new technology can help to streamline processes and make mundane business tasks easier. But CUK will always rely on the human connection that people feel when walking into one of the stores.

“I believe that retail will be driven by the growth of online stores, but I also think that when you have a beautiful store, well-presented quality products, and excellent, attentive service, customers will continue to shop in person,” he says.

This pursuit of personalized human connection will no doubt continue to draw more people to this gia global honoree, while also ensuring that loyal customers keep coming back.

To learn more about CUK, visit cukbazar.com.

Sponsored and organized by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA), IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) is the world’s leading awards program honoring overall excellence, business innovation and creative merchandising in home goods retailing. For more information about the gia retail program, the co-sponsors or participating in 2025-2026, contact Piritta Törrö at piritta.torro@inspiredconnection.fi. Additional information on gia is also available online at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Awards/gia-Retailing.

For more information about The Inspired Home Show and to pre-register for the 2026 Show, taking place in Chicago on 10-12 March 2026, visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com.

When Sylvie Scott opened a tiny homewares boutique 32 years ago, she had no idea that Album de Famille would evolve into one of France’s most admired retail experiences and be named one of the best home goods retailers in the world.

Album de Famille was one of five retailers around the world named as a IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) Global Honoree for Retail Excellence at The Inspired Home Show in Chicago in March. The gia program is sponsored and organized by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA).

Album de Famille has three stores, including a breathtakingly beautiful 19th-century villa once owned by the Dior family that has been meticulously restored and transformed into a global innovator in retailing. Behind those villa doors is a decades-long journey of intuition, resilience and business-building rooted in dreams, heart and history.

“Thirty years ago, I could never have imagined that Album de Famille would become what it is today,” Sylvie says. “At the time, there were no décor or furniture boutiques—just traditional furniture and tableware stores.”

Back then, Sylvie was 18 years old, and at the beginning of a career in finance. However, when a friend who owned a décor store offered her a summer job, she took the offer and it quite literally changed the trajectory of her life.

“She saw my instinct for color and my creativity and helped me to believe in it,” Sylvie says. “Today, a blend of financial discipline and artistic soul is what makes Album de Famille work, and I cannot thank her enough.”

Leaving behind her career in finance, Sylvie launched a tiny 25-square-meter shop. From the beginning, she relied on her intuition to grow the concept of Album de Famille.

“I never copied anyone else. I studied the market and customer needs, always aiming for originality,” she says. “However, while working in that little store, I quickly realized that to truly inspire my customers, I needed larger spaces and theatrical settings.”

Saving the Dior Villa and Launching a Dream

Not willing to compromise, Sylvie searched for the right place for ten long years.

“I wanted somewhere with history that was also extraordinary,” she explains. “Somewhere where our staff and I could showcase our expertise and create an unforgettable customer experience.”

In May 2023, Sylvie found a magnificent property in Granville, in the Normandy region of northwestern France. Built in 1890, Maison du Calvaire was rich in history and potential, and was the former home of Lucien Dior, from the Dior fashion and perfumery empire.

“When we found it, the house was on the verge of collapse,” Sylvie says. “Developers wanted to tear it down and build apartments, and instead, we saved what we now call the Dior House.”

It was love at first sight: 440 square meters of incredible woodwork, original floor tiles, soaring 3.5-meter ceilings and a grand staircase. There were gardens on both sides, and it was across from the train station, making it an ideal destination.

“It was made for us!” Sylvie says.

A deal was struck, paperwork was done, renovations began and five months later, in April 2024, the new showroom opened. “The Dior House is our dream realized,” Sylvie says. “We kept the spirit alive, using Christian Dior’s color codes for the terraces, walls, paint and awnings. It’s magical. We brought a sleeping beauty back to life.”

Within this extraordinary space, Album de Famille operates as an innovative high-end brand for discerning clients, offering a complete home and garden décor experience with four artisan trades as pillars: upholstery, tailoring, color consulting and interior design.

“Everyone wears many hats—we’re not just retailers,” Sylvie says. “We’re interior designers, artisans. We’re creators. Our business is a full, living concept with a boutique, interior and exterior projects, artisan services and tailored customer care. And our team is everything.”

The team prides itself on hosting cocktail evenings and private events, creating a close-knit community with 30 to 40 guests at a time, with special experiences such as seafood grilled on barbecues by renowned chefs. “Our customers are our best ambassadors,” Sylvie says.

Brand and Spirit, and Becoming a gia Winner

For Sylvie, being awarded a gia was a deeply personal victory. “It was a moment of pride after 32 years of passionate work,” she says. “The greatest reward is setting an example for my children—showing them that hard work pays off. It’s also a huge tribute to the Album de Famille team, and to the amazing customers who’ve become our community. Winning the gia has truly elevated our brand and spirit.”

The gia expert jury loved that no detail ever goes unnoticed at Album de Famille, and that the staff bring endless other elements to Sylvie’s dream, turning retail into a magical experience. They agree that there is a fairytale-like story behind the store’s unique location and that it feels like a castle. “Being an appointment-only destination, it offers clients a complete, immersive experience,” they said.

For instance, the dedicated team of four at Granville prepare the terraces every morning to welcome clients with French coffee and pastries, co-creating personalized spaces indoors and in the gardens. They draft beautiful project proposals with text and photography, managing logistics, delivery and the styling of homes.

“They also take time to listen—really listen, and keep the showroom alive, inspiring and ever-changing,” Sylvie explains. “They also review daily figures and work on fine-tuning our business strategy.”

This business strategy is based upon three pillars that Sylvie stands by every day and puts Album de Famille in a league of its own: Team Spirit, Integrity and Excellence.

Connections, and a Perfect High Note

Personal connection is something that everyone at Album de Famille works hard to achieve. “Many of our project clients become friends,” Sylvie says. “First, they trust us with one room, then their whole home and then their gardens. Slowly, they collect candles, teas, tableware and linen from us too. I’ve even been invited to some of our clients’ homes for weekends and dinners, and this is a huge honor.”

Sylvie is sure that these special connections means that the future of retail is human. “People crave connection, not just digital transactions,” she says. “That’s why we create magical spaces. Places that feel like home. Coffee and croissants at sunrise, aperitifs at sunset. It’s about building emotion and memory, not just selling.”

Sylvie adds that running a small business for 32 years has also been an honor, but that it has also meant being good at many things: managing, organizing, creating, selling and leading. “I love the challenges of running a business,” she says. “Leaving finance behind was the best decision of my life, and finding and saving the Dior Villa was the perfect high note for me.”

And having started from a tiny store and building up to what her business is today, Sylvie has some sage advice for future entrepreneurs.

“Before you start, really think about the meaning you want your life to have,” she says. “Build a strong project and know your market. Secure the right financing and surround yourself with experience. Be prepared to make sacrifices, and master yourself and your stress levels. Anything is possible if you’re willing to work for it.”

After working so long on her dream, Sylvie would like to leave a legacy, and she hopes that one day, her grandchildren will be proud of their ‘nona’, and that Album de Famille will still be thriving fifty years from now.

To learn more about Album de Famille, visit lavilla-albumdefamille.fr.

Sponsored and organized by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA), IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) is the world’s leading awards program honoring overall excellence, business innovation and creative merchandising in home goods retailing. For more information about the gia retail program, the co-sponsors or participating in 2025-2026, contact Piritta Törrö at piritta.torro@inspiredconnection.fi. Additional information on gia is also available online at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Awards/gia-Retailing.

For more information about The Inspired Home Show and to pre-register for the 2026 Show, taking place in Chicago on 10-12 March 2026, visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com.

Since 2012, Netherland’s Balthazar Kookwinkel has been sharing the joy of cooking and dining through great products, human connection and a unique personal touch. 

Balthazar Kookwinkel was one of five retailers around the world named as a IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) Global Honoree for Retail Excellence at The Inspired Home Show in Chicago in March. The gia program is sponsored and organized by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA).

Irma Thierig, Balthazar Kookwinkel owner and founder, explains that she and her family always had a dream of opening a store based upon the joy of cooking.

“We all have a shared passion for cooking, beautiful objects and the spirit of la dolce vita,” she says. “And as a family with roots in advertising, marketing, design and hospitality, we had the perfect mix of creativity and experience needed to bring that dream to life.”

From the moment people cross the threshold of Balthazar, they’re met with vibrant colors and beautiful products, all immaculately presented in aisles that are easy to navigate.

“Mediterranean influences and the changing seasons play a significant role in our store’s atmosphere,” Irma says. “The sections within the store are clearly defined, and we update the themed tables on a weekly basis to keep the element of surprise alive. This constant change inspires our customers.”

With its product choices, Balthazar embraces a broader definition of cooking. “It’s not just about preparing a meal, it’s about everything that surrounds it and goes into it – the presentation, atmosphere, enjoyment and relaxation,” Irma says. “This is why we offer a curated selection of cooking supplies, tableware, gifts and seasonal items, all reflecting our unique sense of style.”

Irma says she doesn’t need to imagine what new visitors to Balthazar are thinking, because usually their first reaction is ‘Wow!’

The gia expert jurors were all in agreement, praising Balthazar Kookwinkel for its unique and highly engaging concept. They commented that the store is “based upon the strong vision of its owner, where every little detail has been thought through, so you can feel the vision in the storytelling throughout the store.”

“Being recognized as a gia Global Honoree has had such a positive impact on our company,” Irma says. “It’s not only a great honor, but it also brings significant positive publicity. More people are visiting the shop, because they have read about our award and want to see the store for themselves.”

Going the Extra Mile for Customers

With seven dedicated staff who treat customers like old friends and family, there’s a homey feeling permeating every aspect of Balthazar.

“We’re a diverse group, and each of us brings something different to the business,” Irma says. “I embody Balthazar, and everything I do for the store doesn’t really feel like work. When I’m at our shop, it feels like home, and I probably spend more time there than at home!”

Further adding to the sense of home, Irma’s daughter Julia joined the team in 2020. With a degree in hospitality management, she brought more strengths to the table. “Julia has been instrumental in the day-to-day running of the store, and she drives the digital side of the business, helping grow our online presence. Thanks to these efforts, social media and our website have become an essential part of what we do,” Irma says.

Irma always ensures that all staff members have their own niche and really embrace it. “We’re all passionate about cooking and baking, but for instance, one staff member is more of an expert in baking and the other knows more about the tableware. Julia and I do most of the ordering of products, but each employee is also committed to stock keeping and ordering products within their specific brand or product group. My motto is: teamwork makes the dream work.”

Irma and her staff actively believe that going the extra mile doesn’t lie in grand gestures, but rather in everyday actions. “This comes naturally to all of us,” she says. “We know our customers’ names, not after the 100th time they’ve visited, but perhaps after just one visit. Remembering their name or what they bought makes them feel seen and special.”

“We’re always thinking alongside the customer: ‘What do they need? What are they looking for? What problem do they encounter in their kitchen?’ Our customers feel our genuine interest and are therefore more inclined to make a purchase,” Irma explains. “However, shopping is not just about purchasing something, but rather a valuable moment of contact. It’s an opportunity to create a positive experience.”

Beyond the Bricks and Mortar

Balthazar’s approach to engaging with customers online was another key distinction that contributed to its gia win. “Just as we do in the store, we don’t just focus on selling products; we prioritize inspiring people,” Irma says. “For instance, every Sunday, we share a free recipe that’s created, tested and photographed in-house, showcasing products available in our store.”

Balthazar’s social media channels have strong engagement, and the team posts daily.

“We stay true to ourselves online, and the result is a unique feed that truly captures the Balthazar atmosphere,” Irma says. “Our main goal isn’t chasing likes or follower counts – it’s about telling the story of Balthazar. We do this by showcasing our products in real, inspiring settings that highlight both their purpose and styling potential. All posts, stories and reels are created in-house, allowing us to maintain a consistent look and feel across all channels.”

When sourcing new products and ideas on work trips, Irma and the team take their followers along for the ride, sharing hidden gems from trade fairs and adding favorite places to eat and shop in cities such as Paris and Chicago. “Our community really values these behind-the-scenes moments, and we love that they feel like they’re there with us on the journey. It helps to foster personal connections with customers, making them feel truly involved,” she says.

Emotive Retailing, and Staying True to Yourself

“If there’s one thing we learned during the pandemic, it’s that shopping isn’t something people plan. It’s impulsive and emotionally driven,” Irma says. “You can order anything you want online at any time, but people still want to see, touch and feel items. They want to walk into a store and be inspired by what they see, have a chat with the people working there and immerse themselves in the atmosphere. That’s what shopping is truly about.”

As any business owner will attest, running a company is a constant learning curve. “Luckily, retail is a field where many people come together – suppliers, representatives, customers – and if you listen carefully, there’s something you can learn from everyone,” Irma says.

“Listening to customers is of course very important; knowing what they want. Suppliers and representatives can teach you how to do business and what to sell. But most importantly, listen to yourself. Focus on what you like and what you want to do and be unique. See what is happening out there and adapt, while still staying true to yourself.”

To learn more about Balthazar Kookwinkel, visit balthazarkookwinkel.nl.

Sponsored and organized by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA), IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) is the world’s leading awards program honoring overall excellence, business innovation and creative merchandising in home goods retailing. For more information about the gia retail program, the co-sponsors or participating in 2025-2026, contact Piritta Törrö at piritta.torro@inspiredconnection.fi. Additional information on gia is also available online at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Awards/gia-Retailing.

For more information about The Inspired Home Show and to pre-register for the 2026 Show, taking place in Chicago on 10-12 March 2026, visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com.

With a quest to enrich people’s lives by creating joy from everyday actions, IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) winner BALMUDA is a company that unites creative product design, arresting style and big hits of happiness.

BALMUDA was one of five retailers around the world named as a gia Global Honoree for Retail Excellence at The Inspired Home Show in Chicago in March. The gia program is sponsored and organized by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA).

The BALMUDA flagship store in Aoyama, Tokyo rises from the concrete footpath with the same sense of precision, style and enchantment as the exquisitely crafted products showcased within. The building’s arresting style — a wall paved with vintage bricks and two stories of shining glass framed by black steel and dramatic lighting — has the same look and feel as the company’s toaster that was designed in 2015.

The toaster went on to be an icon — a status that the building will no doubt also achieve.

The designers of the building — Nikken Space Design — created a museum-meets-bar type of space, with the ground floor offering customers the chance to view modern works of art as they would in a museum.

The gia judges and jury were in awe of the store’s appearance and the unique experience it offers customers, commenting that BALMUDA’s “architecture is beautiful, striking, with a Guggenheim-like feel — beginning with the front window’s fixturing and the skillful use of lighting.”

“Since our founding, we were unwavering in our hope that our products — which we create with the belief that ‘if such tools existed, the world would surely be a better place’ — will enrich the daily lives of those who use them,” says founder Gen Terao. “You can experience all of our products in-store, but to make this experience even more worthwhile, we display the history of the ideas, the designers in charge of the products, and what they went through before bringing the product to market.”

Gen goes on to explain that consumers don’t judge BALMUDA products solely on quantifiable specs when comparing them with other products available. “We communicate the incredible, unquantifiable experiences that they get through our products. This was also a crucial point when it came to designing our stores,” he says.

BALMUDA doesn’t rely on market research or creating products that it’s confident will sell. “The store may be recognized as a home appliance manufacturer, but it’s not a company that makes home appliances in order to increase sales,” he says. “Instead, BALMUDA is about creating products that are truly desired. We work with the vision of enriching the lives of people who share our sensibilities and who feel the beauty, sense of surprise, and a joy of owning and using our products.”

Spreading the Word and Enriching More Lives

This concept of basing BALMUDA’s brand upon the happiness that it brings to shoppers’ lives is evident as soon as you visit the company’s website.

Rather than leading with images of products for sale, the website is like a photography site, with images of people enjoying life and everything it has to offer. A sun rises over a hill; a gentleman enjoys a slice of toast while smiling at his cat; a woman straightens a man’s tie, and a young girl plays with a hula hoop.

This makes perfect sense. “We’re very happy if having BALMUDA products in a consumer’s daily life helps them to feel a sense of joy that they’ve never felt before,” Gen says. “BALMUDA gives shape to the desire to make things that people truly want. By providing ideas that the world has never seen before, customers connect with our ideas and are able to live richer lives. Like ripples on the surface of water, we feel great joy seeing the number of such customers grow.” 

Those followers are increasing by the day. BALMUDA has 150,000 followers on Instagram, and an almost cult-like following of fans who happily spread the word.

“We know that the true value of our products can’t be easily understood without a consumer experiencing them,” Gen says. “So, word of mouth from people who truly love our products has been our most reliable advertising. That’s why we place the utmost importance on fan marketing in Japan.”

Music and Joy: From Then Until Now

Before launching BALMUDA, Gen dreamed of being a rock musician. “I like rock music because it’s useful to people,” he says. “Music can save people’s hearts from despair.”

Gen’s parents both had creative jobs, with his father being a potter and his mother a florist, so it’s not surprising that he has a rare creative streak. “Father always told me: ‘You’re different from others, so don’t try to be like them’.”

What Gen has created with BALMUDA is not like anything else, and it all started with one product made in his apartment, with no manufacturing experience behind him.

“I came up with a tool to dissipate heat from laptop computers, which at the time would quickly get hot and freeze,” he explains. “I thought, if the shape of the base was at an angle, it would be easier to type and dissipate heat, so I invented a cooling pad for laptops, with the emphasis on solving the problems.” His self-taught aluminum processing design is also distinctive.

Gen was a one-man band, so he designed a logo, launched a website and managed sales.

“The journey was never smooth sailing, and we were always on the verge of collapse,” he says. “But BALMUDA has managed to stay afloat and now we have around 100 employees. None of them simply follows instructions. Everyone joins BALMUDA because they want to accomplish something at a unique and interesting company where they make a difference.”

Gen says that as a CEO, he never uses the word impossible. “Because there may be a way that we haven’t yet discovered. I ask my employees to think outside the box and act with the utmost self-confidence, believing in even the slightest possibility that something exists.”

Becoming a gia Winner and Being Recognized Globally

“I had never had a goal of BALMUDA being accepted by the masses, because I didn’t think people outside of Japan would understand our philosophy,” Gen says. “However, the fact that our store has become worthy of receiving a gia award is the crystallization of ideas from everyone involved.”

“It’s given our employees much happiness, and a strong sense of confidence in our professions. Winning a gia award has also given us the reassurance that our accumulated efforts have been right. We won’t change the direction and future of BALMUDA because we believe in it. However, that future has become more strongly imagined than ever before.”

Gen has never wavered in his belief that BALMUDA’s delivery of high-quality experiences and products will improve the daily lives of its consumers. He says with his usual conviction: “This belief is just the axis, but the goal is always changing, and I want to do something different and more fun tomorrow, than I did today. We envision a future where, like cool rock musicians, we can share our creativity with people across the world to make their days happier.”

To learn more about BALMUDA, visit balmuda.com/jp/about.

Sponsored and organized by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA), IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) is the world’s leading awards program honoring overall excellence, business innovation and creative merchandising in home goods retailing. For more information about the gia retail program, the co-sponsors or participating in 2025-2026, contact Piritta Törrö at piritta.torro@inspiredconnection.fi. Additional information on gia is also available online at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Awards/gia-Retailing.

For more information about The Inspired Home Show and to pre-register for the 2026 Show, taking place in Chicago on 10-12 March 2026, visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com.

Founder and Creative Director of Mud Australia, Shelley Simpson, discovered her love for ceramics 31 years ago when she used her friend’s pottery wheel. The experience ignited a spark that led to a passion for creating beautiful handmade ceramics and the seed of the much-loved Australian company was planted.

Mud Australia was one of five retailers around the world named as a IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) Global Honoree for Retail Excellence at The Inspired Home Show in Chicago in March. The gia program is sponsored and organized by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA).

“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life,” says Shelley.

“Starting Mud Australia wasn’t just a career change, it was a meaningful redirection,” she says. “My partner, James, and I have always been creative, and it gave us the space to build something with heart.”

So many of Mud’s pieces were inspired by everyday needs when the couple’s children Violette and Spencer were young, and now the siblings also work at the company.

“Having the family involved feels like a natural continuation, and it’s incredibly special,” says Shelley. “Function and purpose were at the heart of it all, and it’s lovely to see how those early ideas shaped what Mud is today.”

The Steady Growth of Mud Australia

The first Mud store opened 18 years ago, and the company now has 12 stores across the world, all with solid communities built around them. Personal service is one part of creating, maintaining and nurturing those communities.

“When people first step into a Mud store, it can feel a little overwhelming as we have 19 colors, but our team is there to walk people through the process and help them to find what feels right,” Shelley explains. “We never want the experience to feel transactional. Ideally, by the time a customer leaves, it feels like they’ve just spent time with friends. There’s a warmth, a sense of ease and connection we hope they carry with them — something memorable beyond the product itself.”

Although the ceramic products — all created with porcelain clay from Limoges, France — are the stars of the show, Shelley says that what makes Mud such a great place to be, is the people. “There’s a shared passion and care that runs through the business. We’re all invested, and that creates a special energy,” she says.

Shelley shares a story from Mud’s New York store that captures that caring nature of the company and its staff. “A cab driver came in every couple of weeks, always quietly and consistently,” she says. “Over time, we learned he was collecting pieces for his new wife. It was an arranged marriage, and she hadn’t arrived yet. He wanted their kitchen to be beautiful and welcoming when she did. It was such a thoughtful act, and it really moved us. That kind of care and intention is something we all feel deeply.”

Sustainability is another pillar of Mud’s guiding principles. “From the beginning, we’ve been conscious of waste, especially in how we manufacture,” Shelley says. “Over time, as the business has grown and we’ve had more resources, it’s become something we actively prioritize. Every time we develop a new product or open a new store, we ask ourselves how we can do it better and more responsibly.”

Manufacturing is all done at Mud’s own facility in Australia. “This means we can oversee every step of the process, minimizing waste at the same time as making sure our values are reflected in what we do,” says Shelley. “We are proud to not only be a carbon neutral company since 2020, but also climate neutral, which means we account for all GHGs in addition to carbon dioxide.”

Becoming a gia Global Honoree

Shelley explains that the gia application process gave the team time to pause and look at how far they’ve come. “It’s easy to get caught up in the momentum of day-to-day operations, so taking that step back was grounding and inspiring,” she says.

Despite the company’s solid growth and reputation, being honored as one of the best retailers in the world came as a surprise. “When you’re deep in the day-to-day building of a business, and celebrating 30 years on top of that, you’re not thinking about awards,” she says. “To receive a gia award was an unexpected and truly lovely recognition, especially for our incredible retail staff who bring so much to what we do. It’s a meaningful recognition of the work we’ve put in over the years, and it reinforces that our values — quality, sustainability, and thoughtful design — resonate beyond Australia.”

“Our team was thrilled at the win, and there was a real sense of pride. We also had so many kind messages from our customers, so it felt like a shared win — not just for us as a business, but for the whole Mud community.”

Shelley says that attending The Inspired Home Show and participating in the gia awards program was a real eye-opener. “It was inspiring to see so many like-minded people coming together, each with their own unique story and approach,” she says. “Being surrounded by other winners, the gia experts and industry leaders gave me a fresh perspective on how we can evolve while staying true to our roots. It also reinforced the importance of community and collaboration.”

Connection Between People, Products and Stories

Shelley explains that social media is incredibly important for Mud Australia. “It’s a key channel for connecting with our community and showcasing the craftsmanship behind what we do,” she says. “Combining product with storytelling resonates with our community.”

One highly successful video series showcased the making process, not just the final product. “People loved seeing the behind-the-scenes work and understanding the care that goes into each piece,” Shelley says. “We also did a ‘meet the team’ feature, which helped put faces to the brand and connect people to the human side of Mud.”

Although its online presence continues to grow (Mud has more than 80,000 followers on Instagram and 10,000 on Facebook), Shelley believes that people will always want to connect in person.

“There’s something timeless about being able to pick something up, feel the weight of it, have a conversation about it,” she says. “Online is convenient and it’s an important part of our business, but we’re always looking for ways to bring people back into the physical store, to create a sense of community and experience. That’s where the real magic happens.”

“We’re very much a hands-on business and that will never change: our products are made by hand, and that human touch is at the heart of everything we do,” says Shelley. “However, we’re also practical, and if automation or AI can help us with production planning and supporting our team, we’re open to it. We use technology to enhance the way we work, not to replace the craft that defines us.”

Mud Australia has such a strong brand because for three decades, the focus has always been on doing one thing well: creating beautiful, handmade ceramics.

“Within that, there’s room to explore, innovate and offer a considered variety of pieces. Ultimately, it all started with what I needed personally — a product that was both functional and beautiful — and that continues to guide us today,” Shelley says. “As the world increasingly moves online, we remain committed to offering meaningful, in-store experiences. For us, it’s about creating spaces that invite connection between people, products and stories.”

To learn more about Mud Australia, visit mudaustralia.com.

Sponsored and organized by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA), IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) is the world’s leading awards program honoring overall excellence, business innovation and creative merchandising in home goods retailing. For more information about the gia retail program, the co-sponsors or participating in 2025-2026, contact Piritta Törrö at piritta.torro@inspiredconnection.fi. Additional information on gia is also available online at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Awards/gia-Retailing.

For more information about The Inspired Home Show and to pre-register for the 2026 Show, taking place in Chicago on 10-12 March 2026, visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com.