Did you know that effective in-store displays can increase retail sales by 10-20% almost immediately after implementation?
This is the power of great visual merchandising, and exactly why we’re excited to announce the 2026 Display Contest, an opportunity for IGA retailers to transform their stores, inspire their shoppers, and compete for top awards while driving real sales impact.
Why Displays Matter More Than Ever
Purchase decisions often happen on the store floor, so it’s imperative to have displays that capture attention, relay a strong message, and are effective.
Strong displays:
An exciting display encourages customers to try new things, resulting in short-term purchases and brand recognition in the long run.
We’re inviting grocery store owners and store teams to bring their creativity to life by building standout displays that celebrate one of these upcoming events happening in the United States this summer: America250 or FIFA World Cup.
The display contest will run from May 25-July 31, 2026.
Using inspiration like the examples in the below guide, stores can create a display that is eye-catching, thematic, shopable, and built to drive sales.
Contest Categories & Themes
This specific contest is to promote either America250 or FIFA World Cup. You know what your shoppers want most, so use those demographics to determine which theme you will choose.
America250
Coca-Cola has partnered with America250 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. This is a nation-wide commemoration of reflection, unity, and pride. The campaign theme is “Drink In America,” touching on community, regional diversity, and shared experiences.
Display must include A250 Mini Cans and BODYARMOR LTO Packages.
FIFA World Cup
POWERADE is the official sports drink of the FIFA World Cup 2026, and the partnership positions the brand around soccer culture, athlete performance, and global fan engagement. The campaign theme for 2026 is centered around endurance, focus, and hydration, along with the phrase, “Power Your Fate.”
Display must include Coca-Cola sparkling beverages and POWERADE.
Either display should connect with shoppers and make it easy for them to grab everything they want from this collaboration in one place. Examples of strong displays include:
Requirements
Prizes
Display Guidelines
To qualify, your display should:
1. Be Bold & Visible
Place your display in a high-traffic area where shoppers can’t miss it.
2. Tell a Story
Use signage, props, and product grouping to create a clear theme.
3. Feature Key Products
Highlight featured brand and complementary items to drive basket size.
4. Stay Fully Stocked
Keep displays full, fresh, and shop-ready throughout the contest period.
5. Follow Brand Standards
Ensure all materials and product placements align with provided guidelines.
How to Enter
Entering is simple:
Judging Criteria
Displays will be evaluated based on:
Tips to Win
Want to stand out? Focus on:
This contest is about elevating the in-store experience and driving results where it matters most. Retailers, rally your team, get creative, and start building your winning display! We can’t wait to see what you create!
Fueling Sales During the World Cup & America 250: Retail Strategies with Coca-Cola
This summer will bring two major events to the United States: the FIFA World Cup and America 250 celebrations. Both events are major opportunities for retailers to drive traffic, increase sales, and create excitement in-store.
Join IGA and special guests from Coca-Cola and BodyArmor for an exclusive webinar designed to help retailers and store teams capitalize on two of the biggest marketing moments in the nation and world.
During this session, we'll share how Coca-Cola is aligning with FIFA and activating its World Cup marketing strategy across digital, social, out-of-home, and in-store channels. Attendees will gain insights into how worldwide events influence the food and beverage industry, what consumer trends emerge during these moments, and how retailers can use limited-time offers and promotional urgency to maximize engagement and sales.
Attendees will also learn how Coca-Cola, as a sponsor of America 250, is activating that marketing strategy across channels. We will explore the importance of 360° marketing and how integrated campaigns create stronger customer connections and brand awareness.
In addition, attendees will learn about two exciting retail display contest opportunities: the Powerade World Cup Display Contest and the America 250 Display Contest featuring BODYARMOR and Coca-Cola products.
Learn how to participate, best practices for creating impactful displays, and why these types of promotions effectively engage both retailers and shoppers while increasing in-store sales and brand awareness.
Whether you’re looking for fresh merchandising ideas, marketing inspiration, or proven strategies to elevate sales during high-profile events, this webinar will provide actionable takeaways your team can implement right away.