Fall 2026
Think like a professional fixture designer and create a modular retail fixture system for an original lifestyle fashion brand.
Submission Deadline: Monday, November 2, 2026
Presented by
In Collaboration With
Quick Facts
Who Can Enter: Current undergraduate and graduate students worldwide studying design-related disciplines; current transcript required to confirm eligibility.
Challenge: Create a modular retail fixture system for an original lifestyle fashion brand
Award: $5,000 USD, travel support, industry recognition, and recognition at the PAVE Global Gala
Submission Format: Individual entry submitted as an 11 × 17-inch horizontal PDF, up to 15 pages
Deadline: Monday, November 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time/8:59 PM Pacific Time
How to Enter: Pre-register to receive the complete design brief, resources, and submission access
About the Challenge
Presented by euro a go go in collaboration with PAVE Global, The Bicester Collection, and JPMA Global Inc., the go go NEXT Emerging Retail Design Challenge gives students the opportunity to respond to a professional retail fixture design brief.
Participants will create an original lifestyle fashion brand specializing in apparel, bags, shoes, or accessories, then design a modular fixture system that brings it to life within a 250-square-foot shop-in-shop or temporary pop-up environment.
The challenge asks students to balance creativity with the practical considerations fixture designers navigate every day, including merchandising, customer experience, materials, sustainability, manufacturing, shipping, assembly, and adaptability. The fixtures—not the surrounding architecture or interior—should be the central focus of the design.
Award + Experience
One winning student will receive the go go NEXT Emerging Retail Design Award, including a $5,000 USD cash prize generously awarded by JPMA Global Inc.
The recipient will also receive:
Round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations in New York City
A daily allowance for meals
An invitation to the go go party NYC at Marquee New York on December 9, 2026
Formal recognition at the PAVE Global Gala on December 10, 2026
Opportunities to connect with leading retail designers, manufacturers, brands, and industry professionals
Recognition and exposure through euro a go go, PAVE Global, The Bicester Collection, and JPMA Global Inc.
Eligibility Guidelines
Participants must be:
Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate-level student
Studying retail planning, visual merchandising, interior design, architecture, branding, graphic design, UX/UI design, industrial design, or a related discipline
Submitting an individual entry; group entries will not be accepted
This challenge is open to eligible students worldwide.
Not sure if your area of study qualifies? Contact info@paveglobal.org before registering.
Key Dates
Important Note: With limited time between selection and the New York events, participants should monitor their email closely after submitting and respond promptly to communications from PAVE.
Submission Requirements
Each entry must be submitted as an 11 × 17-inch, horizontal PDF with each page presented individually. Two-page spreads will not be accepted.
Presentations may include up to 15 pages, excluding cover and reference pages.
The submission should address the project requirements outlined in the official design brief.
Renderings may be hand-drawn or computer-generated.
This is an individual challenge; only individual entries will be accepted.
The participant’s name and/or school must not appear anywhere on the project presentation or cover. Submissions are evaluated through a blind review process.
The complete presentation requirements, design parameters, and supporting resources will be provided after pre-registration.
Judging Criteria
A jury of retail brands, fixture manufacturers, experiential designers, and industry leaders will evaluate each entry through a blind review process. (Download Judging Criteria PDF)
25% — Creativity + Innovation
20% — Brand Expression
20% — Functionality + Merchandising
15% — Customer Experience
10% — Sustainability
10% — Manufacturability
Circular design, integrated technology, and interactive experiences may receive additional consideration but are not required.
How to Participate
Before You Pre-Register
Have an official or unofficial academic transcript ready to upload. A transcript is required to complete your pre-registration and access the challenge materials.
Pre-Register
Complete the student pre-registration form and upload your transcript. After registering, you will immediately gain access to the official design brief, judging rubric, and supporting resources.
Please allow up to two business days to receive access to the Project Submission Form.
Review the Challenge Materials
Carefully review the complete design brief, judging rubric, and supporting resources before beginning your project.
Develop Your Concept
Create your project in response to the official brief and confirm that your presentation meets all submission requirements.
Submit Your Project
Upload your completed project through the Project Submission Form by Monday, November 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Monitor Your Email
You will receive updates and important notifications about your submission as it goes through the review process. Additionally, the selected student will be contacted directly in mid-November. Monitor your email and/or Submittable closely after submitting and respond promptly to communications from PAVE Global.
Are You An Educator?
Educators may register separately to access the official design brief, judging rubric, and supporting resources for their students.
Before You Submit
Review your final project carefully and confirm that:
☐ Your presentation is formatted as individual 11 × 17-inch horizontal pages. Two-page spreads will not be accepted.
☐ Your presentation does not exceed 15 pages, excluding cover and reference pages.
☐ Your project addresses the requirements outlined in the official design brief.
☐ Your name and school do not appear anywhere on the project presentation or cover.
☐ Any use of AI tools follows the guidance provided in the Design Competitions + Challenges FAQ.
☐ Your final PDF opens correctly, and all text, images, and renderings display as intended.
Recommended: Flatten your final PDF before uploading for faster submission and the best viewing experience for judges.
The submission portal will close automatically at 11:59 PM Eastern/8:59 PM Pacific on Monday, November 2, 2026.
Submission Deadline
Monday, November 2, 2026, before 11:59 PM Eastern/8:59 PM Pacific.
Questions?
Find answers about the challenge, eligibility, registration, project submissions, AI usage, and more in the Design Competitions + Challenges FAQ.
Challenge Partners
The go go NEXT Emerging Retail Design Challenge is presented by euro a go go in collaboration with PAVE Global, The Bicester Collection, and JPMA Global Inc.
The $5,000 go go NEXT Emerging Retail Design Award is generously provided by JPMA Global Inc.
