St. Paul (October 1, 2025) -- Join Minnesota Retailers as we recognize ten leading retailers and industry partners with the announcement of the 2025-2026 Minnesota’s Retail Champions awards. Winners will accept their awards during Retail Rally on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Brookview in Golden Valley.

“We are proud to recognize ten innovative retailers, communities and partners that are leading the way in connecting with consumers and today’s trends following a vigorous process to identify Minnesota’s Retail Champions,” said Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers president. “The retail industry has a deep impact on Minnesota communities, and these award recipients are truly representative of what is great about retail across the state, how the industry is changing, and what it takes to attract customers today.”

The following is a complete list of the 2025-2026 Minnesota’s Retail Champion award recipients:

Lifetime Achievement
Christine Ward and Rick Haase, Patina, various locations
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Community Retailer of the Year
Benders, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Duluth
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Retailer of the Year
SCHEELS, various locations
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Retail Community of the Year
Waconia
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Advocate of the Year
Scott Fares and Darin Rinne, Wet Paint, St. Paul
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Vendor Partner of the Year
Aguilar Productions, St. Paul
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Customer Experience
J.H. and Sons, Edina
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Social Responsibility
Heti, Minneapolis
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Retail Innovation
Gamezenter, Roseville
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Best Place To Work
Chuck & Don’s, various locations
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Minnesota Retailers started the awards process by putting out a statewide call for nominations early in the year. A panel of peer judges reviewed nearly ten dozen nominations and selected the top nominee in each category. 

Retail Rally is changing the way retailers and their key business partners engage with today’s consumer. This year's event features an insightful keynote presentation from business growth advisor Tamara Prato, titled “Driving Retail Growth: People, Planning, and Your Best Customers.”  Tickets to Retail Rally are available at www.retailrally.com. Media is welcome.

About Minnesota Retailers: Minnesota Retailers is a non-profit association formed to improve communities through a holistic investment in retail, representing small, regional, and national retailers. Our mission is to ensure collective success across Minnesota by advancing retail for businesses, employees, consumers, and policymakers. Our vision is to be the driving force in the evolution of the state's retail landscape through advocacy, valuable insights, and championing innovation. More at www.mnretail.org.

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

St. Paul (October 1, 2025) – Minnesota Retailers is proud to recognize Christine Ward and Rick Haase, retiring co-owners of Patina, with the Lifetime Achievement award as part of the 2025-2026 Minnesota Retail Champions program.

"For decades, Christine Ward and Rick Haase have been visionary leaders in Minnesota's retail industry, transforming Patina from a single shop into a beloved, multi-location community favorite," said Bruce Nustad, President of Minnesota Retailers. "Their commitment to curating a unique and vibrant customer experience, while fostering a deep connection to the communities they serve, has set an enduring standard. As they retire, their legacy of passion, creativity, and service will continue to inspire a new generation of retailers across our state. We are honored to celebrate their remarkable careers and lasting impact."

"When we started Patina, our goal was to create more than just a store—we wanted to create a place for discovery, where every visit felt like an adventure," shared Christine Ward. "This award is a testament to the incredible community that has supported us for so many years. To our customers, our amazing team, and the entire retail community, thank you for making this journey so fulfilling."

Rick Haase added, "Building Patina alongside Christine has been the greatest joy of my professional life. We are immensely grateful for this recognition and for the countless friendships and connections we’ve made along the way. As we step into retirement, we carry with us the memories of a truly wonderful career, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for Minnesota’s retail landscape."

“Rick and Christine have built an incredible business with heart, creativity and determination,” said Liz Barrere, President and CEO of Patina. “As a wonderful part of their legacy, the talented team at Patina will now become employee owners. I am honored and excited to help lead Patina into its next chapter and thank Rick and Christine for the opportunity to do so.”

Ward and Haase's decades-long passion for Patina helped shape the company's presence across Minnesota. Their unique selection of gifts and home goods, combined with a keen eye for design and a commitment to customer service, made Patina a cultural landmark. The co-owners have been mentors to countless retail professionals and their dedication to community engagement has left a lasting legacy in the industry.

Ward and Haase will accept the award at Retail Rally on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, starting at 2:00 p.m. The event—held at Brookview in Golden Valley—will feature an insightful keynote presentation from Business Growth Advisor Tamara Prato, titled “Driving Retail Growth: People, Planning, and Your Best Customers.” For more event details, visit www.retailrally.com.

Click here to watch a video featuring this award winner!

Click here to see all the 2025-2026 Minnesota's Retail Champions!

About Minnesota Retailers: Minnesota Retailers is a non-profit association formed to improve communities through a holistic investment in retail, representing small, regional, and national retailers. Our mission is to ensure collective success across Minnesota by advancing retail for businesses, employees, consumers, and policymakers. Our vision is to be the driving force in the evolution of the state's retail landscape through advocacy, valuable insights, and championing innovation. More at www.mnretail.org.

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

St. Paul (October 1, 2025) – Minnesota Retailers is proud to recognize Benders Shoes, Clothing, and Gifts with the Community Retailer of the Year award as part of the 2025-2026 Minnesota Retail Champions program.

"For over 50 years and through three generations, Benders has been a cornerstone of its communities," said Bruce Nustad, President of the Minnesota Retailers. "Their unwavering dedication to the communities they serve and their genuine connection with customers, sets a high standard for what it means to be a true community partner. Benders embodies the spirit of local retail, and we are honored to celebrate their deep-rooted commitment."

"We are incredibly humbled and honored to be named Community Retailer of the Year," said Tara Bender Paulson, co-owner of Benders. "Our family has always believed that a successful business is one that gives back to the people it serves. This award is a testament to our team and our amazing customers, who have supported us for five decades. We are proud to be a part of the Grand Rapids, Hibbing, and Duluth communities and look forward to continuing our legacy of service."

Since its founding in 1973 by Roland and Angie Bender, the family-owned business has grown to three locations, offering high-quality footwear, apparel, and unique gifts. Benders has a long-standing tradition of local support, focusing on organizations and events that promote learning, growth, and healing within their local communities.

The Benders team will accept the award at Retail Rally on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, starting at 2:00 p.m. The event—held at Brookview in Golden Valley—will feature an insightful keynote presentation from Business Growth Advisor Tamara Prato, titled “Driving Retail Growth: People, Planning, and Your Best Customers.” For more event details, visit www.retailrally.com.

Click here to watch a video featuring this award winner!

Click here to see all the 2025-2026 Minnesota's Retail Champions!

About Minnesota Retailers: Minnesota Retailers is a non-profit association formed to improve communities through a holistic investment in retail, representing small, regional, and national retailers. Our mission is to ensure collective success across Minnesota by advancing retail for businesses, employees, consumers, and policymakers. Our vision is to be the driving force in the evolution of the state's retail landscape through advocacy, valuable insights, and championing innovation. More at www.mnretail.org.

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