Supplier Performance Awards by Retail Category.

The annual SPARC event, like the industry it celebrates, has evolved from its inaugural event almost three decades ago. Initially launched to honor supplier performance, SPARC has broadened its scope to include a number of retailer honors such as Specialty Retailer of the Year and Food Retailer of the Year. More recently, Retailing Today added three Outstanding Corporate Citizen awards to the slate recognizing the industry's growing emphasis on charitable efforts, and this year added the Humanitarian of the Year award to honor individual philanthropic achievement.

This special section includes all the highlights of the year's SPARC gala held at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas on Oct. 17.

FOR A COMPLETE METHODOLOGY SEE PAGE 34

RETAILER OF THE YEAR TARGET

Accepted by Sid Keswani, group vp

Presented by Paula Lashinsky, publisher, Retailing Today

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Karen Stuckey, senior vp & gmm, apparel, Wal-Mart, and master of ceremonies for SPARC

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Left to right: Julie Berkhouse, Lisa Proctor and Robin Caldwell, JCPenney

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Opening festivities for this year's SPARC gala kicked off with live music at a cocktail reception.

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Left to right: David Ward, Christie Mackin and Jim Burke, Revlon

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SPECIALTY RETAILER OF THE YEAR

CVS/PHARMACY

Accepted by Chris Bos, area vp

Presented by Jim Craig, editor-in-chief, Retailing Today

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VENDOR OF THE YEAR (HARDLINES)

PROCTER & GAMBLE

Accepted by Doug Raftery, vice president

Presented by Paula Lashinsky, publisher, Retailing Today

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FOOD RETAILER OF THE YEAR

SUPERVALU

Accepted by Mike Jackson, president and coo

Presented by Tim Craig, editor-in-chief, Retailing Today

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VENDOR OF THE YEAR (SOFTLINES)

VF JEANSWEAR

Accepted by Philip Dunn, president

Presented by Paula Lashinsky, publisher, …