The Webbys

Although big sales are top-of-mind for merchants each holiday season, it's also the time of year that many online and multichannel retailers vie for the online industry’s most coveted award nomination, the Webby. The call for entries ends this Friday, Dec. 19th.

The awards culminate with a red-carpeted awards gala held each June. For the past 12 years, The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences has honored the best in Web sites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile Web sites.

This year’s event, hosted by Seth Meyers of “Saturday Night Live,” attracted attendees from Stephen Colbert to Web celeb “Obama Girl,” as well as those representing sites such as The Huffington Post and Facebook. Retailers were also in attendance, competing for the Webby in the Best in Retail category.

Last year's retail standout was IKEA's “Sleeping Better and You” site launched in October 2007. The concept offers testing guides and tips for better sleeping, while showcasing IKEA products. The interactive site features a Swedish man, dressed in signature blue and yellow IKEA colors, who encourages consumers to click around to find, search and learn more about mattresses. Other nominees in the category were Nike Golf, Apparel, Samsonite Black Label, Moo.com and Around the World in 5 Kitchens.

Think your site has what it takes? Submit entries here.