Ten Minnesota's Retail Champions Named For 2024-2025

St. Paul (October 3, 2024) -- Join Minnesota Retailers as we recognize ten leading retailers and industry partners with the announcement of the 2024-2025 Minnesota’s Retail Champions awards.
Winners will accept their awards during Retail Rally on Thursday, October 10, 2024, beginning at 2:00 p.m. in Golden Valley.

“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,” said Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers 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 2024-2025 Minnesota’s Retail Champion award recipients:

Vendor Partner of the Year
Cry Baby Craig’s, Faribault, MN
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Customer Experience
Latuff Brothers Auto Body, St. Paul, MN
Nominated by the Midway Chamber of Commerce
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Social Responsibility
Peace Coffee, Minneapolis, MN
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Retail Innovation
Hmong Village, St. Paul, MN
Nominated by Energy Smart, a program of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Retail Community of the Year
Downtown Elk River Business Association, Elk River, MN
Nominated by the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Best Place To Work
Tradehome Shoes, Cottage Grove, MN
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Retail Mentor of the Year
Andrea Hanson, Phileo Style, Red Wing, MN
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Advocate of the Year
Hillary Feder, Hillary's, Hopkins, MN
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Retailer of the Year
Bloedow Bakery, Winona, MN
Nominated by the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Lifetime Achievement
Mary Fuhrman, Hy-Vee
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Minnesota Retailers started the awards process by putting out a statewide call for nominations early in the year. A panel of peer judges reviewed nearly ten dozen nominations and selected the top nominee in each category. 

Watch a Youtube playlist of award winners here!

Click here to see all the photos from Retail Rally.

Retail Rally is changing the way retailers and their key business partners engage with today’s consumer. This year's Retail Rally features a panel of "game changers" who are transforming the retail landscape in Minnesota and beyond. Get ready for incredible insights, inspiring stories, and a peek into the future of retail. Tickets to Retail Rally are $25 online and free for media at www.retailrally.com.

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