Today’s Minnesota consumer is well-researched, cost-conscious and appreciative of shopping experiences and options. Join the Minnesota Retailers Association (MnRA) as we recognizeeight leading retailers and industry partners at the announcement of the 2019 Minnesota’s Retail Champions.                                                                                                   

“We are proud to recognize eight 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,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “The retail industry has a deep impact on Minnesota communities, and these award recipients are truly representative of what’s 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 2019 Minnesota’s Retail Champion Award recipients:

Best Place to Work
Red Wing Shoe Company, Red Wing, MN and locations worldwide
Read more about this award!

Customer Experience
Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN
Read more about this award!

Outstanding Achievement
Glenn McKee, Games by James, locations throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin
Read more about this award!

Retailer of the Year
Hubert White, Minneapolis, MN
Read more about this award!

Retail Employee of the Year                                                                                                                                               
Kee Kong, Joe’s Sporting Goods, Little Canada, MN
Read more about this award!

Retail Innovation
Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Brainerd, MN
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Social Responsibility
Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
Read more about this award!

Vendor Partner of the Year
Branch, Minneapolis, MN
Read more about this award!

MnRA started the award process by putting out a statewide call for nominations early in the year.  A panel of peer judges reviewed nearly eight dozen nominations and selected the top nominee in each category. Tickets to the event are $25 online at www.retailrally.com.

After reviewing dozens of applications from across the state, the Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize Red Wing Shoe Company with its Best Place To Work award in the 2019 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

“In an industry where there can be high employee turnover Red Wing Shoe Co. stands out as an organization that invests in their employees and understands how to keep and grow employees based on their passions and aspirations,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “It’s clear Red Wing works hard to be a family-centered manufacturer and retailer that treats their employees with the utmost respect, including offering opportunities to grow within the company and the communities where they do business. That doesn’t just happen, it’s intentional and engrained in the business culture. There are so many positive employee stories where family members have worked at Red Wing Shoe Co. for decades. We are so pleased to recognize Red Wing Shoe Co. as a Best Place To Work.”

“We are honored to be selected as a 2019 Minnesota’s Retail Champion awards winner in the category of Best Place to Work,” says Marisa Kinney, Senior Director in Global Retail for Red Wing Shoe Co. “This award is a reflection of our belief that every employee at Red Wing Shoe Co. makes a direct impact on our customer’s lives around the world. Our goal is that all of our teams come to work every day   and feel proud. The success of our company comes directly from their contributions. I could not be more proud to work in a culture of care and respect, and am equally as proud and thankful for the employees that make Red Wing Shoes their home.”

A representative of Red Wing Shoe Company will accept the award in person during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at Brookview in Golden Valley beginning at 2:00 p.m. The event features seven 20-minute practical, game-changing, cutting edge retail innovations strategies and ideas. Speakers include local favorite and award-winning news anchor-reporter Robyne Robinson with fiveXfive Public Art.

Red Wing Shoe Company is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Best Place To Work award. Seven other organizations will be recognized in other categories such as Retail Employee of the Year, Social Responsibility, Retail Innovation, Vendor Partner of the Year, Customer Experience, Outstanding Achievement, and Retailer of the Year.

Retail Rally event information can be found at www.retailrally.com.

After reviewing dozens of applications from across the state, the Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize Wet Paint with its Customer Experience award in the 2019 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

“In an industry where there is intense instore and online competition, Wet Paint on Grand Avenue in St. Paul wins with is unique, welcoming environment and knowledgeable, committed staff,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “Wet Paint truly has something for everyone. Regardless of age or skill level, customers find the advice and products they need to be creative. Wet Paint has a great studio inside the retail store, where customers can learn new techniques and try products. While that is important, the key to the customer experience there is the employees. They are not only experienced in what they teach and sell, but it’s clear they care deeply about customer experience and the success of the business. It’s an honor to recognize Wet Paint and its team for their commitment to happy customers.”

“Wet Paint has been helping a wide range of customers since 1976. From students and their classes at school to hobbyists and people exploring art, to professional, we love them all and want to make sure this is their go-to store,” says Darin Rinne, Wet Paint co-owner along with Scott Fares. “Our customers know they are going to get the advice and help they need beginning the moment they step foot in the store. Our staff thrives in connecting with each and every customer, a relationship that last beyond the sale. We truly want to make the customer’s experience at Wet Paint one in which they immediately want to come back.”

Darin Rinne and Scott Fares will accept the award in person during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at the Brookview in Golden Valley beginning at 2:00 p.m. The event features seven 20-minute practical, game-changing, cutting edge retail innovations strategies and ideas. Speakers include local favorite and award-winning news anchor-reporter Robyne Robinson with fiveXfive Public Art.

Wet Paint is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Customer Experience award. Seven other organizations will be recognized in other categories such as Social Responsibility, Outstanding Achievement, Vendor Partner of the Year, Best Place to Work, Retail Employee of the Year, Retail Innovation and Retailer of the Year.

Retail Rally event information can be found at www.retailrally.com.