St. Paul (October 3, 2024) – Minnesota Retailers is proud to honor Hillary Feder, owner of Hillary’s in Hopkins, with the Advocate of the Year award as part of the 2024-2025 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

"Hillary’s unwavering leadership and advocacy for Minnesota retailers have been key in raising awareness of important local, state and federal legislative issues," said Bruce Nustad, president of Minnesota Retailers. "As just one example, her relentless efforts around the vendor collection allowance have been crucial in helping lawmakers grasp the financial and operational challenges retailers face in collecting and remitting sales tax. Thanks to Hillary’s work and passion, small business owners’ voices are being heard, respected, and acted upon."

When asked about what it takes to become an advocate, Feder shared, “The most important thing a person can do is simply start.” On being recognized with this award, she added, "I love working with others to advocate for important issues impacting our communities, and it’s truly gift to inspire or help someone else learn how to advocate and to see the positive impact they can have."

As a vocal advocate for modernizing Minnesota’s policies to better serve today’s retail landscape, Feder understands the unique challenges facing retailers. As the owner of Hillary’s, she has firsthand experience with the complexities of running a retail business. Through her lifelong advocacy, Feder has shown a deep commitment to fostering a more competitive retail environment across the state.

Feder is the sole recipient of the Advocate of the Year award within the Minnesota’s Retail Champions program. Nine other organizations and individuals will be recognized in various categories, including Retailer of the Year, Retail Mentor of the Year, Vendor Partner of the Year, Retail Innovation, Customer Experience, Social Responsibility, Retail Community of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Best Place to Work.

Feder will receive the award at the Retail Rally event on Thursday, October 10, 2024, starting at 2:00 p.m. at Brookview in Golden Valley. The event will include an engaging panel discussion titled “Game Changers: Transforming the Retail Landscape in Minnesota,” featuring speakers like Minny & Paul founder Laura Roos, Nosh Posh founder Tatiana Freeman, and Victual owner and president Paul Kirkman, and Ali Kaplan with Twin Cities Business. For more event details, visit www.retailrally.com.

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Click here to see all the 2024-2025 Minnesota's Retail Champions.

Click here to see all the photos from Retail Rally.

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

St. Paul (October 3, 2024) – The Minnesota Retailers Association is proud to recognize Andrea Hanson, owner of Phileo Style in Red Wing, with the Retail Mentor of the Year award, part of the 2024-2025 Minnesota Retail Champions program.

"Andrea's mentorship has made a profound and lasting impact on those around her," said Bruce Nustad, President of Minnesota Retailers. "Her leadership and willingness to invest her time and wisdom have not only enriched her team but also uplifted the entire community. She is a true example of how mentorship can inspire and strengthen the retail industry."

"I’m here to empower others," said Hanson, underscoring the importance of mentorship in her life. “I’ve walked those scary paths that require bravery, and I want every woman who feels called to start her own business to experience the same joy and excitement that comes from following that passion. It’s a true honor to work with others on their journey through entrepreneurship as they navigate their own paths.”

“We are thrilled to see Andrea recognized as Minnesota’s Retail Mentor of the Year,” said Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Michelle Larson. “Andrea’s extraordinary ability to guide and inspire the next generation of retail leaders exemplifies excellence in mentorship. Her dedication not only inspires her mentees but also strengthens the entire business community. This award is a testament to Andrea’s exceptional leadership, her passion for helping others succeed, and her immense impact on the future of retail in Red Wing and the region.”

"Working alongside Andrea to grow our downtown has been fun, educational, and inspiring,” said Megan Tsui, Executive Director of Red Wing Downtown Main Street. “She tirelessly roots for the small business owners downtown and insists on a culture of collaboration over competition. Her willingness to metaphorically hold the hands of other retailers as they start and grow their businesses is a testament to why she is being honored and celebrated with this award. She cares deeply about entrepreneurs and downtown Red Wing." 

As the owner of Phileo Style, a boutique celebrated for its curated fashion and personalized customer service, Hanson has become a role model for aspiring retailers and entrepreneurs in her community. Over the years, she has mentored numerous individuals, offering guidance with patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to see others succeed. In addition to her hands-on mentorship, Hanson co-hosts a podcast dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs build their own businesses. Her focus on building meaningful relationships with both employees and peers has been a cornerstone of her career.

Hanson is the sole recipient of the Retail Mentor of the Year award within the Minnesota Retail Champions program. Nine other organizations and individuals will also be recognized in categories such as Retailer of the Year, Vendor Partner of the Year, Retail Innovation, Customer Experience, Advocate of the Year, Retail Community of the Year, Social Responsibility, Lifetime Achievement, and Best Place to Work.

Hanson will receive the award at the Retail Rally event on Thursday, October 10, 2024, starting at 2:00 p.m. at Brookview in Golden Valley. The event will include an engaging panel discussion titled “Game Changers: Transforming the Retail Landscape in Minnesota,” featuring speakers like Minny & Paul founder Laura Roos, Nosh Posh founder Tatiana Freeman, and Victual owner and president Paul Kirkman, and Ali Kaplan with Twin Cities Business. For more event details, visit www.retailrally.com.

Click here to watch a video featuing this award winner!

Click here to see award winner photos.

Click here to see all the 2024-2025 Minnesota's Retail Champions.

Click here to see all the photos from Retail Rally.

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

St. Paul (October 3, 2024) – Minnesota Retailers is excited to announce Tradehome Shoes as the recipient of the Best Place To Work award, part of the 2024-2025 Minnesota Retail Champions program.

"Tradehome Shoes has created a workplace culture where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive," said Bruce Nustad, President of Minnesota Retailers. "As an employee-owned retailer, their dedication to building a positive, inclusive environment shines through in everything they do. Tradehome stands out as a model employer in the retail sector, and we’re proud to celebrate their exceptional achievements."

Mark Jacobson, Vice President of Store Personnel, shared why Tradehome is such a beloved workplace: “It’s rare that everyone, from the store manager, to a warehouse employee, to the CEO, owns a piece of the company. This unique structure makes everyone feel personally invested in going the extra mile for customers and helping the business grow. It’s not just a job—it’s a shared purpose.”

Founded in 1921, Tradehome Shoes is a 100% employee-owned company, with 135+ locations nationwide and growing. Its employee-ownership model fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, giving team members a sense of pride and ownership in the company’s success. This approach has helped Tradehome retain top talent and provide career growth opportunities, making it a standout employer in the retail industry.

Tradehome Shoes is the sole recipient of the Best Place To Work award within the Minnesota Retail Champions program. Nine other organizations and individuals will also be honored in categories such as Retailer of the Year, Vendor Partner of the Year, Retail Innovation, Customer Experience, Advocate of the Year, Retail Community of the Year, Social Responsibility, Lifetime Achievement, and Retail Mentor of the Year.

Mark and other Tradehome employee-owners will receive the award at the Retail Rally event on Thursday, October 10, 2024, starting at 2:00 p.m. at Brookview in Golden Valley. The event will include an engaging panel discussion titled “Game Changers: Transforming the Retail Landscape in Minnesota,” featuring speakers like Minny & Paul founder Laura Roos, Nosh Posh founder Tatiana Freeman, and Victual owner and president Paul Kirkman, and Ali Kaplan with Twin Cities Business. For more event details, visit www.retailrally.com

Click here to watch a video featuing this award winner!

Click here to see award winner photos.

Click here to see all the 2024-2025 Minnesota's Retail Champions.

Click here to see all the photos from Retail Rally.

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