What Makes a Booth Stand Out? Highlights from the One of a Kind 2026 Spring Show
Each season at the One of a Kind Show, we’re reminded just how quickly a space can capture attention, or be overlooked entirely.
As part of our ongoing partnership with the One of a Kind Show, we had the opportunity once again to review and recognize standout booth presentations across the show floor. Since 2017, VM ID has supported this process, identifying booths that not only look beautiful, but are thoughtfully merchandised to engage customers and support sales.
This season, Ani Nersessian was joined by students from Seneca Polytechnic’s School of Fashion, where she teaches Visual Merchandising Arts. Together, they walked the show, reviewing booths through a visual merchandising lens, from first impression and layout, to product storytelling and customer flow.
It’s always a valuable exercise, not only in identifying strong examples, but in training the next generation of visual merchandisers to recognize what truly works in a retail environment.
While creativity and craftsmanship are a given at OOAK, what ultimately sets certain booths apart is how clearly they communicate with the customer.
The strongest booths tend to share a few key qualities:
A show-stopping quality
A clear and inviting entry point
Thoughtful product grouping that encourages discovery
Visual moments that draw people in from a distance
And just enough restraint to let the product shine
As you explore this season’s winners, it’s worth asking yourself:
What would make you stop at a booth like this?
What makes a space feel easy (or difficult) to shop?
And if you’re a retailer, how does your own set-up compare?
These are the same questions we ask when auditing retail spaces, whether in-store or at a market.
With that in mind, we’re excited to share this season’s standout booths.
HEAVYWEIGHT WINNER: NOMADIC FIORI
MID-WEIGHT WINNER: ISLA MER
FEATHERWEIGHT WINNER: SIENA VIDA
RISING STARS WINNER: CLOOOODLES
MARKETPLACE WINNER: SECOND NATURE BODY CO.
And lastly, these business has booth set-ups that were too amazing to not at least give them Honourable Mentions:
NATURAL BELLA
🎉Congrats to all of this year’s winners!!
Curious about what goes into the strongest booth designs? Here are some blogs that would help guide your presentation planning:
5 ELEMENTS OF VISUAL MERCHANDISING IN BOOTH DESIGN & HOLIDAY MARKETS
TOP 6 WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR TRADE SHOW VISIBILITY & SALES
PREVIOUS SHOW WINNERS
If you’re looking for more hands-on support, we offer a range of services tailored specifically for markets and shows, from DIY tools or full design and strategy.
And if not… we’ll see you at the next show!