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Rene Ruiz won 'most creative' in the storefront display competition.

Victoria's Armoire won 'most engaging' in the storefront display competition.

Tepedino won 'best retail store' in the Festival of Lights competition.

Sushi Maki won 'best restaurant' in the Festival of Lights competition.

Reminiscence won 'most innovative' in the storefront display competition.

Westin Colonnade won 'best office' in the Festival of Lights competition.

‘Tis the season to be noticed for Coral Gables businesses in the inaugural Festival of Lights and Storefront Display competitions.

The six winners were announced Thursday, Dec. 20, at the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast. The competition was presented by the city of Coral Gables, Coral Gables Chamber, Florida Retail Federation, Village of Merrick Park, Business Improvement District of Coral Gables and Nordstrom.

Residents were urged to nominate businesses for the awards; representatives from the presenting organizations served on the awards committee. The best festive lights and storefront window displays in the City Beautiful are:

Festival of Lights Award Winners

Best Office: Westin Colonnade Coral Gables, 180 Aragon Ave.

Best Restaurant: Sushi Maki, 2334 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

Best Retail Store: Tepedino Jewelers, 386 Miracle Mile

Storefront Display Award Winners

Most Creative: Rene Ruiz, 2700 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

Most Innovative: Reminiscence, 357 Miracle Mile

Most Engaging: Victoria’s Armoire, 4077 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

Hoping to entice more shoppers into Coral Gables businesses during the holidays, the City Commission in September approved a resolution establishing the competition as an ongoing program.

In addition to the ceremony at the chamber’s Dec. 20 Good Morning Coral Gables Breakfast at the Biltmore Hotel, awards include:

• City of Coral Gables proclamation of appreciation and ribbon cutting.

• A one-year membership in the Florida Retail Federation

• Registration for one to the Retail Smarter Conference, June 20-21.

Congratulations to all the winners who helped brighten the city and raise the holiday spirit in Coral Gables.