Christine Ward and Rick Haase Recognized with Lifetime Achievement Award

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