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.

The Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize Glenn McKee with Games by James with its Outstanding Achievement award in the 2019 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

“Glenn has been an outstanding leader and advocate for the retail community for many years,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “As Glenn nears retirement and turns his successful stores over to his son, it’s the perfect time for the industry to congratulate him on so many accomplishments and thank his for his tireless service.  In addition to providing leadership to the Minnesota Retailers Association, Glenn has a passion for connecting with elected officials and telling the story of retail. He has been pivotal in fighting for sales tax fairness and against consumer-harming proposals such as the border adjustment tax. Glenn is a humble business owner that has provided hundreds of Minnesota’s their first work experience as well as retail career opportunities. It’s with great admiration for Glenn we present him with our Outstanding Achievement award.”

"It is so important to go tell your story to elected officials, regardless of what business you are in,” says Glenn McKee, owner of Games by James. “Letters, emails, and phone calls make a difference. But to really connect with lawmakers on important issues, face-to-face conversations are essential. From lobbying to employee development to helping customers, personal connections is how business gets done. It’s been a pleasure over the years to add my voice to the important issues impacting retailers in Minnesota. I look forward to seeing how the industry continues to change in the years ahead and I wish the Games by James team the best as they meet today’s opportunities and challenges head on. I am truly honored to be recognized by my peers.”   

Glenn McKee 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.

Glenn McKee is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions 2019 Outstanding Achievement award. Seven other organizations will be recognized in other categories such as Employee of the Year, Social Responsibility, Retail Innovation, Customer Experience, Vendor Partner of the Year, Best Place to Work, and Retailers of the Year.

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