IGDS WDSS AWARD 2026

The IGDS WDSS, held on 19 May 2026 at Club de Banqueros, featured the inaugural 'World’s Best Retail Media Unit at a Department Store' award, and the atmosphere was both invigorating and inspiring.

World’s Best Retail Media Unit at a Department Store

Department stores are strong pillars of the shopping experience and have evolved from traditional retail hubs into dynamic, omnichannel environments. Retail media has therefore become a powerful lever to drive revenue, transforming the way retailers connect with consumers on all channels.

This landmark award celebrates the achievements of a retail media team that uses data intelligently, storytelling effectively, and digital tools innovatively, while remaining true to the brand’s identity and adapting to the ever-changing expectations of shoppers in increasingly unexpected times.  

Central Department Store, Thailand, was declared the winner of this award. Jury Chair Sergio Langarica, Sales Director South America at Nuna Baby, presented the trophy to Natira Boonsri, CEO of Central Department Store; Rvisra Chirathivat, CMO; and Tapida Norpanlob, Director of Omnichannel and Merchandising. In the acceptance speech, they explained: “For nearly eight decades, Central has grown alongside Thailand — guided by one core belief: "Customer First". Our goal is to be the retail media platform where brands amplify their communication and branding — connecting with our customers through every physical and digital touchpoint. Powered by 312 million visits a year, 21 million The1 loyalty members, and over 600 media touchpoints – seamlessly connected. This is the retail media platform we have built. We would like to sincerely thank our partners in various industries for building this ecosystem together with us. And finally, thank you to our teams across Central Department Store Group, especially the Marketing and Merchandising teams.

The two other finalists were Selfridges & Co, UK, represented by Leonie Foster, COO; and, Liverpool, Mexico represented by Rodrigo Luna, CMO.  

Members of the Jury

. Brad Bickley, Global President at NunaBaby, USA (Chairman)
. Rauno Mord, VP Internationnal Sales at NunaBaby, USA (Chairman)
. Sergio Langarica, Sales Director South America at NunaBaby, USA (Chairman)
. Gabriele Chung, Chair of Korean Chamber of Commerce, Board Member at National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, former CEO of Lotte, South Korea
. Sebastian Picardo, CEO at Monica Vinader, former CEO of Holt Renfrew, UK
. Dominique Von Matt, Management Consultant & Board Member at Von Matt / Second Opinion, Switzerland

WDSS 2026 award was sponsored by 

From left: Sergio Langarica (Nuna); Rvisra Chirathivat, Natira Boonsri, Tapida Norpanlob (Central Department Store); Leonie Foster (Selfridges) and Rodrigo Luna (Liverpool)