The leading retailers in the casual furnishings industry were honored at the 2009 Apollo Awards during the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market™. Winners were announced at the Apollo Awards banquet held at Chicago’s Union Station on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA). Regarded as the highest honor among casual furniture retailers, the Apollo Awards celebrate the influential contributions made by industry icons. Winners are selected from hundreds of retailers throughout the country.

This year the selection for the Apollo Awards began with ICFA members nominating other ICFA members. All current members were eligible for nomination. The top five finalists in the two categories – single store and multi-store –were then selected by a vote of ICFA manufacturer / importer members. After the top five stores in each category had been selected, the ICFA Board of Directors then submitted their votes online to name an Apollo Award winner in each category.

In addition to the Apollo Awards, Richard Frinier and Art Thompson were each honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards. The awards were presented by the ICFA, and are reserved for individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the casual furnishings industry and to their communities.

And, the Lillian B. Winchester Award was announced at The Design Excellence Awards, which is considered the highest recognition for new product design in the casual furniture industry.

The 2009 Apollo Awards Winners:

Single-store Winners: Williams All Seasons

Multi-store Winners: Fishel’s, Inc.

Nominees included:

Single Store: Authenteak Outdoor Furniture, Fruehauf’s Patio and Garden, Sunnyland Furniture, The Pool & Patio Center, Williams All Seasons.

Multi-Store: Absco Fireplace & Patio, Carls Patio, Inc., Fishel’s, Inc., Greenhouse Mall, Patios Plus.