This initiative gives college students a chance to showcase their creative talent and gain valuable experience in the retail design industry.
KGK Genix has announced the launch of their Student Retail Design and Careers Competition for the third year running. This initiative gives college students a chance to showcase their creative talent and gain valuable experience in the retail design industry.
Over the past two years this competition has uncovered incredible talent with winners like Lorna Storey and Tamsin Shattock going on to achieve great success. KGK Genix will once again partner with Herts Regional College to inspire the next generation of retail design leaders.
In the first year, students rose to the challenge of designing for global sportswear giant Nike, while in Year 2, they crafted innovative retail concepts for the iconic fashion brand Superdry. Both years have been deemed “a resounding success” at uncovering incredible talent and delivering results. This includes 6 students being offered six-week paid internships and 3 students hired as full-time employees (2 in project management and 1 in the pre-press department)
Inspiring the next generation
This year’s competition, starting on 11th January 2025, will see students design a retail concept for the globally recognized brand, Dune London.
Graham Pitts, Managing Director at KGK Genix, said, “Helping young people discover their potential is one of the most rewarding things we do at KGK Genix. Seeing past winners develop their skills and take their first steps into the industry is a reminder of why initiatives like this matter. We urge other businesses to create similar opportunities to inspire the next generation. The future of our industry depends on it.”
The competition not only supports students in exploring career opportunities but also strengthens the partnership between local businesses and local education.
Donna Schultz, CEO of the Herts Chamber of Commerce, commented, “I was delighted to be asked to be one of the judges for this competition. This initiative by KGK Genix is a shining example of how businesses can support local talent and drive innovation. We are proud to support such a forward-thinking project that creates meaningful opportunities for young people and strengthens our community.”
Meet the Judging Panel
The competition will be judged by an experienced and diverse panel, including:
- Donna Schulz (CEO, Herts Chamber of Commerce)
- Lorna Storey (Project Manager, KGK Genix)
- Graham Pitts (Managing Director, KGK Genix)
- Steve Lister (Retail Consultant)
- Ian Scott (Retail Consultant)
- Jim Sullivan (Dune London Account Manager, KGK Genix)
- Matt Hanley (Managing Director, Matching Talent with Opportunity – Specialist Print Recruiter)
