Twelve Retail Leaders Recognized As Minnesota’s Retail Champions

St. Paul (October 2, 2023) -- Join the Minnesota Retailers Association (MnRA) as we recognize twelve leading retailers and industry partners with the announcement of the 2023-2024 Minnesota’s Retail Champions.

Winners will accept their awards during Retail Rally (www.retailrally.com) on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, beginning at 2:00 p.m. in Bloomington. Retail Rally is changing the way retailers and their key business partners engage with today’s consumer. The event features practical, game-changing, cutting-edge retail innovation strategies and ideas, and the insights of Weber Shandwick, and their presentation “Predicting the Future: A Look Ahead at Top Cultural Trends Fueling Shoppers' Behavior in 2024.” There the team from Wisdom Gaming Studios will also be presenting on the intricacies of the metaverse and demonstrate how retailers can effectively reach and engage customers in this innovative space.

“We are proud to recognize twelve 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 Association 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 2023-2024 Minnesota’s Retail Champion award recipients:

Vendor Partner of the Year
ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com, Cottage Grove, MN
Click here to read more about this award, including quotes.

Customer Experience
Von Hanson’s Meats, Monticello, MN
*nominated by the Monticello Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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Retail Collaboration
Amazing Grace Boutique, by Mae, Olita Gifts and Goods, Hutchinson, MN
*nominated by the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
Click here to read more about this award, including quotes.

Social Responsibility
CAP Carpet & Flooring, New Brighton, MN
*nominated by the Waste Wise, program of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
Click here to read more about this award, including quotes.

Family Business of the Year
Bridal Aisle Boutique, Osseo, MN
*nominated by the Metro North Chamber of Commerce
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Community Partner of the Year
Walt’s, Willmar, MN
*nominated by the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
Click here to read more about this award, including quotes.

Advocacy Leadership
Charles Anderson, Marine on St. Croix, MN
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Advocate Partner of the Year
Minnesota Organized Retail Crime Association, St. Paul, MN
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Advocate of the Year
Walter Dillon, Minneapolis, MN
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Retail Mentor of the Year
Patricia Chinander, Love From USA Group, Shoreview, MN
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Retail Community of the Year
Owatonna, MN
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Retail Entrepreneur of the Year
Adam Johnson, Pioneer Midwest, Osseo, MN
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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