Amazing Grace Boutique, by Mae, and Olita Gifts & Goods in Hutchinson Recognized with Retail Collaboration Award

St. Paul (October 2, 2023) – The Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize Amazing Grace Boutique, by Mae, and Olita Gifts & Goods with its Retail Collaboration award as part of the 2023-2024 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

Bruce Nustad, president of the Minnesota Retailers Association, complimented these retailers for their exceptional teamwork. "Amazing Grace Boutique, by Mae, and Olita Gifts & Goods exemplify the true spirit of collaboration in the retail industry. Their commitment to supporting one another and their entire community not only strengthens their businesses but also enriches the Hutchinson shopping experience for customers."

Courtney Orwoll, owner of Amazing Grace Boutique, highlighted why their collaboration has worked so well, stating, "I think the key to collaborating is community over competition." This ethos has been at the heart of their partnership and has allowed all three retailers to flourish. One of the hallmarks of this collaboration is their unwavering support for each other. Orwoll noted, "We are always sharing each other's posts, and we make sure to say to each customer, 'hey, you should stop by these other great shops.'"

“There are so many great things about Hutchinson, including how we work together to improve the community. The collaboration between Amazing Grace Boutique, by Mae, and Olita Gifts & Goods is a shining example of what we can do together,” said Mary Hodson, Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism president. “The collaboration among Emily, Jill and Courtney along our mainstreet benefits the entire community.”

In an industry where competition often takes center stage, these retailers have embraced a different approach, viewing retail as a team sport. They have gone above and beyond to foster a sense of community over competition, creating a thriving retail ecosystem in the heart of Hutchinson.

Amazing Grace Boutique, by Mae, and Olita Gifts & Goods were nominated by the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and will be the recipients of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Retail Collaboration award. Eleven other organizations and individuals will be recognized in other categories such as Retail Entrepreneur of the Year, Retail Mentor of the Year, Family Business of the Year, Advocate of the Year, Advocacy Leadership, Advocate Partner of the Year, Community Partner of the Year, Vendor Partner of the Year, Customer Experience, Social Responsibility, and Retail Community of the Year.

Orwoll will be joined by Jill Hass, owner of Olita Gifts & Goods, and Emily Reck, owner of by Mae, to accept the award during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, beginning at 2:00 p.m. in Bloomington. The event features practical, game-changing, cutting-edge retail innovations, strategies, and ideas. Retail Rally event information can be found at www.retailrally.com.

Click here to see all the 2023-2024 Minnesota's Retail Champions award winners.

About the Minnesota Retailers Association: The Minnesota Retailers Association promotes, preserves, and enhances the retail industry in Minnesota by taking a leadership position in development of public policy and regulatory measures that impact members. MnRA also works to enhance the public image of the retail industry by providing information, services and support that adds value to its members. www.mnretail.org.

Contact: Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (651) 227-6631