Today’s Minnesota consumer is well-researched, cost-conscious and appreciative of shopping experiences and options. Join the Minnesota Retailers Association (MnRA) as we recognize ten leading retailers and industry partners at the announcement of the 2020 Minnesota’s Retail Champions.

Winners accepted their awards virtually during Retail Rally on Wednesday, October 7. Retail Rally is changing the way retailers and their key business partners engage with today’s consumer. The event featured seven 20-minute practical, game-changing, cutting edge retail innovations strategies and ideas.

“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,” 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.”

Watch the winner's video announcement here!

The following is a complete list of the 2020 Minnesota’s Retail Champion Award recipients:

Best Place to Work
Fitger’s on the Lake, Duluth, MN
Read more about this award!

Customer Experience
Past & Present Home Gallery, Alexandria, MN
Read more about this award!

Lifetime Achievement
Roberta Bonoff, Minnetonka, MN
Read more about this award!

Retailer of the Year
Schuler Shoes, Locations throughout MN
Read more about this award!

Retail Manager of the Year
Scott Farrell, Down in the Valley, Golden Valley, MN
Read more about this award!

Retail Innovation
Jaxon Grey, Minneapolis, MN
Read more about this award!

Business Resource of the Year
Boulay, Eden Prairie, MN
Read more about this award!

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

Retail Community of the Year
MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce, Blaine, MN
Read more about this award!

Advocate of the Year
Christine Ward, various locations in Minnesota
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.

The Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize Roberta Bonoff with its Lifetime Achievement award in the 2020 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

“Roberta has been and continues to be an outstanding leader and advocate for Minnesota’s retail community,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “Coupled with years and years as a successful retail entrepreneur, Roberta is one of the first retailers to raise her hand to volunteer to help someone else out. From sharing her experiences, to helping others along their path, Roberta is regarded as one of Minnesota most creative and innovative retailers. It’s with great admiration for Roberta that we present her with our Lifetime Outstanding Achievement award.”

"Being a retail entrepreneur made me realize the importance of getting your unique story out to your community,” says Roberta Bonoff. “During my time as CEO of Creative KidStuff, my company gained national recognition by trying new things. I understand what it is like to start something from the ground up and watch it grow. And I appreciate the opportunity to help others do it as well.”

Roberta Bonoff will accept the award virtually as well as speak about her lessons learned from being a retail entrepreneur during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The event features seven 20-minute practical, game-changing, cutting edge retail innovations strategies and ideas.

Roberta Bonoff is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Lifetime Achievement award. Nine other organizations will be recognized in other categories such as Retail Manager of the Year, Business Resource of the Year, Retail Innovation, Vendor Partner of the Year, Customer Experience, Best Place to Work, Retail Community of the Year, Advocate of the Year, 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 award Schuler Shoes its Retailer of the Year award in the 2020 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

“Schuler Shoes is one of those retailers you take for granted that they will always be there, because they always have,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “The rich family tradition of Schuler is evident in everything from the way the store is laid out to the people who work there. Schuler is truly one of those ten or so retailers that are the strong, steadfast underpinning of Minnesota’s retail community. While their history is rooted in family, their success and future rests on their unmatched service and dedication to customers. We are honored to recognize Schuler Shoes as our Retailer of the Year.”

“Schuler Shoes’ first store was in 1889 and we are now a fourth-generation owned business,” says Mike Schuler, one of Schuler Shoes family owners. “Our employees and staff are amazing and thrive in our teamwork environment focused on meeting each customer’s need while honoring our deep legacy as a retailer. Over the years we have grown alongside communities in Minnesota. Our company is our family legacy. We are so pleased to be recognized as the Retailer of the Year.”

Mike, a representative from Schuler Shoes, will accept the award virutally during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The event features seven 20-minute practical, game-changing, cutting edge retail innovations strategies and ideas.

Schuler Shoes is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Retailer of the Year award. Nine other organizations will be recognized in other categories such as Lifetime Achievement, Business Resource of the Year, Retail Manager of the Year, Vendor Partner of the Year, Customer Experience, Best Place to Work, Retail Community of the Year, Advocate of the Year, and Retail Innovation.

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