Martin Patrick 3 in Minneapolis' North Loop won the judges' choice award in a national contest rating holiday window displays, beating out retailers on Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive and other big names such as RRL Ralph Lauren.
The luxury apparel store — which decks its windows each year — partnered with Minnesota Dance Theatre to bring its "Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy" production to life given that there was no production this year because of the pandemic.
Martin Patrick 3, at 212 N. 3rd Av., competed against national retailers and brands with much deeper pockets, bigger budgets and staffing in the Winning Windows of North America contest. It was the first time that the organization added a new category for retailers outside New York City.
"We wanted to show that the award can go to a one-of-a-kind store where you really see the creative process at work," said judge Judy Bell. "Rodeo Drive budgeted more than $300,000 for their entry. Martin Patrick had to buy kids' mannequins for the display since they don't sell children's clothing."
Cory Johnson, executive director of the dance company, approached Martin Patrick co-founder Greg Walsh in October, asking him if the store would to feature the "Nutcracker" costumes.
Martin Patrick's visual merchandiser, Jody Meyer, who worked in visual presentation at Dayton's and then Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, recruited three of her former Dayton's co-workers and got to work.
"The windows remind people of more traditional times as they head into the holiday season," Meyer said.
The windows depict "Nutcracker" scenes featuring red-cheeked toy soldiers, the Rat Queen surrendering her crown, snowflake ballerinas dancing under the moon, and the Sugarplum Fairy's enchanted palace.