MCM Awards 2008

L.L. BEAN

	PRINT CATALOG

Director: Don Oakes

Creative directors: Jim Hauptman, Marcia Minter

Print/production director: Jason Kendeigh

Merchandiser: Amy Steenstra

Copywriter: Leslie Gomes

Editorial manager: Jenna Klein Johnsson

Printer: Quebecor World

Color separator/prepress provider: Vertis

List broker/manager: Millard Group

	WEBSITE

Creative director: Sara Holihan

Vice president, e-commerce: Chris Wilson

Enterprise architect: Brian Lemieux

Associate creative director: Mark Ferguson

Others: John Kirby, Matt Gilligan

	Print Catalog OF THE YEAR

[ Also won — GOLD: Print Channel | SMALL CATALOG | The Republic of Tea, Catalogue No. 98 ]

	The Republic of Tea, Catalogue No. 98

Fancy a spot of tea? Look no further than The Republic of Tea, a stunning print catalog that sells its own comprehensive line of teas and tea accoutrements. Our judging panel was positively captivated by the catalog's great design, paper and print production — among other attributes.

WHY IT WON CATALOG OF THE YEAR: Like a premium tea bag, “the book flows seamlessly,” said one judge. “The catalog is well constructed in layout and design, with good merchandising that stays on message, and well-written, compelling copy.”

And while the catalog is chock full of tea (including herbal formulas such as “Get a grip” for PMS/menopause and “Get lost” for weight control), it packs in plenty of other product to supplement its line. Some of the accessories include artisan tea cups, bamboo tea trays, tea leaf infusers and, of course, teapots.

IDEA TO STEAL: Match your paper to your mission. The catalog's choice of recycled, uncoated paper stock “is consistent with its simplicity theme,” a judge said. Overall, another panelist said of The Republic of Tea: “It's refreshing to see a socially progressive cataloger that stays true to its mission.” — MD

	THE REPUBLIC OF TEA

Director: Catherine Blackwell

Designer: Image Studio

Marketing director: Travis Seaton, Lenser

Copywriter: Ron Rubin

Printer: Continental Web

Consultants: Lenser

	Website OF THE YEAR

[ Also won — GOLD: Web Channel | Consumer Specialty Products | www.ebags.com ]

	eBags.com

Calling all bag ladies — and gents: Ebags can help you procure that perfect purse or snare a super satchel, suitcase or knapsack with its selection of more than 500 brands and 33,000 products.

WHY IT WON WEBSITE OF THE YEAR: Ebags is more than an e-commerce site; it's a community of bag owners and customers who have provided their feedback and recommendations on the merchandise. This helps other shoppers decide what they are really looking for in a bag or accessory and buy with confidence.

“Customer reviews, encouragement of feedback, broad and deep selection of product, and terrific product pages are all big plusses,” said a judge. “I think the focus on customer reviews — and their prominence on the product page — is a good one, and for a product of this type it's probably more beneficial than spending a ton of time on copywriting.”

IDEA TO STEAL: Stand behind your products with your service. If eBags didn't take good care of its customers, its 1.3 million user reviews would probably put the merchant out of business. “The free returns policy says volumes about the confidence eBags has in its products,” a judge said. — Tim Parry

	EBAGS.COM

Creative director: Peter Cobb

Marketing director: Joe Devine

Webmaster: Dan Werling

Website designer: Jason Carncross

Merchandiser: Nancy Behrendt

Photographer/illustrator: Casey Brown