For 25 years, the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) Global Honoree Casa Cuesta has been inspiring its customers to turn their day-to-day lives into a series of extraordinary moments.
Walking into Casa Cuesta is designed to feel less like entering a store and more like stepping into a series of beautifully imagined homes. At its nine stores across the Dominican Republic, rich textures, dramatic settings, layered colors and immersive displays invite customers to linger, explore and think about the look and feel of their dream home.
At the Global Innovation Awards in Chicago, the gia expert jury described Casa Cuesta as “a store that’s set as a stage,” praising its “wonderful visual storytelling” and ability to encourage customers to move seamlessly across multiple categories.
For the team behind the retailer, the success of Casa Cuesta goes far beyond merchandising, sales and being a one-stop shop for homewares and appliances. At its heart is a deep connection to community, and a commitment to turn its customers’ day-to-day lives into a series of extraordinary moments that bring joy.
“Supporting our community and the people of the Dominican Republic is one of the most gratifying aspects of what we do,” says Casa Cuesta Commercial Director Paola Collado. “The loyalty and trust our customers place in us goes far beyond a transaction – they choose us as their partner in building their homes and their lives.”
This sense of connection is what continues to drive the retailer forward, making it an integral part of its customers’ milestones and memories. “When a customer returns for a new chapter, whether furnishing a first apartment or redesigning a family space, we feel that bond deeply,” says Paola. “Knowing that the Dominican community sees Casa Cuesta as their own is both honoring and inspiring.”
World-Class Retail with a Focus on Inspiration
Applying for gia became a powerful period of reflection for Casa Cuesta, reinforcing the team’s belief that world-class retail can emerge from anywhere.
“The process of entering gia challenged us to measure our work against the best in the world. Seeing such talent was humbling, as every winner brings something extraordinary to the table,” Paola says. “This award is a huge win for our staff, and also validation of their hard work and passion.”
That passion can be seen throughout the store experience. Casa Cuesta’s immersive vignettes are carefully created to inspire customers emotionally, rather than simply encourage purchases. “Our intention has always been to inspire, rather than just sell,” Paola says. “We understand that a home is an emotional space, so our vignettes are designed to allow customers to project their own lives into them.”
The result is an environment where cross-selling feels organic and intuitive. “We believe that sales are the natural result of a great experience,” explains Paola. “When a customer spends time exploring and feeling inspired, the purchase stops being a simple transaction and becomes the start of a personal project.”
The in-store experience often culminates in Casa Cuesta’s Appliance Hub, which is a highly functional area strategically positioned at the rear of the store. This destination showcases cutting-edge technology in an engaging environment and creates a seamless transition from lifestyle inspiration to home functionality.
Celebrating Life’s Moments and Inspiring Joy
One of Casa Cuesta’s most treasured services is its wedding registry, which allows the team to become part of one of the biggest celebrations in their customers’ lives. “The most rewarding experiences evolve from our wedding registry,” Paola says with pride. “Helping couples start their new lives together and seeing their excitement as they choose the pieces for their first home is incredibly special, and a process that our staff is completely invested in.”
Behind the scenes, every day is driven by this investment in collaboration, creativity and a strong understanding of the local market. “A typical day is a collaborative effort focused on anticipating and satisfying our customers’ needs,” Paola explains. “Every member of our team works to curate an assortment that blends global trends with local tastes.”
The retailer’s product selection balances international design movements with functionality, craftsmanship, emotional appeal and affordability. “A piece jumps out at me when it has the potential to tell a story within a vignette,” says Purchasing Manager Karla Priscila Agramonte Carbonell. “If I can immediately visualize it transforming a room and sparking inspiration, then I know it’s the right fit for our collection.”
Creating memorable retail experiences also means appealing to all the senses. “We have always believed that a truly memorable shopping experience should go beyond the visual,” Paola says. “By incorporating scent, taste and rich textures, we create an immersive atmosphere where customers don’t just see our products — they feel them.”
Wellbeing, True Connection and Education
The wellbeing of the people who bring the Casa Cuesta experience to life each day is at the core of what makes this remarkable retailer so well-loved, and in turn, successful. “We truly believe that our people are the heart of Casa Cuesta, so their wellbeing is a top priority,” says Operations Vice President Beatriz Puello. “Supporting their growth and happiness is a personal commitment that directly strengthens the soul of our business.”
That philosophy extends into the brand’s digital presence, where social media has become a vital tool for inspiration, education and community-building. Watching a Casa Cuesta reel where a staff member presents a new collection feels so authentic, it’s as though a friend is showing a loved one something perfect for their home. “Social media is fundamental to how we connect with our community,” Casa Cuesta Marketing Manager Maria Herrera explains. “It’s not just a marketing channel to us — it’s a living extension of our brand.”
Casa Cuesta also focuses heavily on what it calls ‘functional marketing.’ “We use our platforms to educate our consumers, offering them practical inspiration, tips and knowledge that help them make better decisions for their homes,” Maria says. “We want our audience to see Casa Cuesta as a trusted source of guidance and inspiration for their everyday lives.”
Discovery, Delight and a Fresh Digital Dimension
Like most retailers, Casa Cuesta has faced challenges navigating supply chain complexities, but the rewards continue to outweigh the pressures. “One of our biggest obstacles has been maintaining world-class standards while navigating the complexities of local logistics and global supply chains,” Paola says. “It requires constant agility to ensure the right products reach our customers at the right time. But seeing the impact of our work on our customers’ homes makes that commitment worth it.”
Looking ahead, Casa Cuesta is entering an exciting new chapter, with plans to expand both physically and digitally across the Dominican Republic. “We’re very excited about what’s ahead,” Paola says. “We’re expanding our physical presence with new store openings, while also investing seriously in our e-commerce platform. The goal is to seamlessly connect the sensory world of our stores with the convenience of digital, so that every customer — whether they walk through our doors or shop from their phone — feels that same sense of discovery and delight.”
With the extraordinary moments that the staff in its bricks and mortar stores continue to create, there is no doubt Casa Cuesta’s online presence will be equally enthralling, inspiring and for many, truly life-changing.
“Casa Cuesta is more than just a store; it is the home we all dream of,” Paola says.
To learn more about Casa Cuesta, visit casacuesta.com.
Sponsored and organized by The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA), IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) is the world’s leading awards program honoring overall excellence, business innovation and creative merchandising in home goods retailing. For more information about the gia retail program, the co-sponsors or participating in 2025-2026, contact Piritta Törrö at [email protected]. Additional information on gia is also available online at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Awards/gia-Retailing.
For more information about The Inspired Home Show and to pre-register for the 2027 Show, taking place in Chicago on 9-11 March 2027, visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com.