Organizer
PAVE Global, sponsored by The Hershey Company

Location
International competition (global participation), awards ceremony in New York City, USA

Deadline
Thursday, October 30, 2025, before 11:59 PM Eastern Time (8:59 PM Pacific Time)

Competition Category
Retail environment design, specifically an innovative Store-within-a-Store (SWAS) snacking destination inside a traditional grocery store

Eligibility
Current undergraduate and graduate students worldwide in programs related to retail planning, visual merchandising, interior design/architecture, branding, graphic design, UX/UI design, industrial design, and similar fields

Entry Fee
Free

Prizes/Awards
Top three concepts each receive:

• $4,000 USD cash prize
• Invitation to attend the 2025 PAVE Gala in New York City on December 11, 2025 (airfare, hotel, and daily per diem covered)
• $1,000 USD travel stipend for each winning student's educator
• Potential opportunity to collaborate with industry-leading design and manufacturing team to bring concepts to life

Core Introduction
The 2025 PAVE Global Student Design Competition is the 30th annual international contest challenging students to design an innovative Store-within-a-Store (SWAS) snacking destination for The Hershey Company . Students are tasked with creating a fun, interactive experience that leverages cutting-edge technology, lighting, and sensory elements to create a standout snacking destination within traditional grocery stores, while incorporating Hershey's iconic brand elements and creating micro-occasions like s'mores, movie time, and cultural celebrations . The competition provides "real-world" design experience for global design students interested in careers creating consumer environments .