Hmong Village Recognized with Retail Innovation Award

St. Paul (October 3, 2024) – Minnesota Retailers is proud to announce Hmong Village in St. Paul as the recipient of the Retail Innovation Award, part of the 2024-2025 Minnesota Retail Champions program.

"Hmong Village is a remarkable example of what can be achieved through innovation and a deep understanding of community needs," said Bruce Nustad, President of the Minnesota Retailers Association. "By blending retail with cultural heritage and offering a dynamic shopping experience, coupled with a deep commitment to being a strong environmental steward, Hmong Village has created a unique marketplace in Minnesota. We’re honored to recognize them with this year’s Retail Innovation Award."

Terry Vang, Manager of Hmong Village, expressed gratitude for the award, stating, "We are truly honored to receive the Retail Innovation Award. Hmong Village was built on the idea of bringing people together and recreating a shopping experience that felt like home. Our goal has always been to create a space where culture is celebrated, a community can prosper, and we can lead in being stewards. This award is a testament to the dedication of our vendors and the ongoing support of our customers. We’re excited to continue serving our community."

"Hmong Village has impressed Energy Smart with its commitment to environmental stewardship, consistently demonstrating dedication to reducing energy usage year after year,” said Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Director of Environmental Sustainability Patrick Deal. “By prioritizing energy efficiency through ongoing efforts, Hmong Village has set a high standard for sustainable practices and demonstrated its commitment to the future of the community."

Hmong Village has grown into both a cultural and commercial hub, housing over 200 small businesses that offer a variety of products and services, from traditional Hmong clothing and crafts to fresh produce, groceries, and diverse dining experiences. Since its inception, Hmong Village has redefined retail in the Twin Cities, providing a vibrant space where the community and visitors can connect with Hmong culture while enjoying a unique shopping experience.

Hmong Village was nominated by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s Energy Smart program and is the sole recipient of the Retail Community of the Year award within the Minnesota Retail Champions program. Nine other organizations and individuals will also be recognized in categories such as Retail Mentor of the Year, Vendor Partner of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Customer Experience, Advocate of the Year, Retail Community of the Year, Social Responsibility, Retailer of the Year, and Best Place to Work.

Vang 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.

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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