St. Paul, Minnesota – October 28, 2020 – Today the Minnesota Retailers Association (MnRA) and Minnesota Pharmacists Association (MPhA) announce the awarding of funds to eight pharmacies across Minnesota.  Under the program--with funds generously provided by the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Minnesota--applications were solicited from pharmacies looking to enhance safe customer access or medication security within the context of the pandemic or recent unrest.

Projects funded include: two-way customer communication systems and upgraded cameras; enhanced windows, lighting and locks; and customer signage and support for curbside and delivery services for vulnerable customers.

Pharmacies receiving awards:

• Como Pharmacy, St. Paul
• Lloyd’s Pharmacy, St. Paul
• Mix Pharmacy, Oakdale
• Pelican Drug, Pelican Rapids
• Rolseth Drug, Forest Lake
• Seward Pharmacy, Minneapolis
• Thrifty White Pharmacy, Marshall
• Trumm Drug, Alexandria

“Pharmacies across the State have been heroic in reopening and remaining open and available to customers amid pandemic and unrest challenges,” says MnRA president Bruce Nustad. “We know Minnesotans depend on their community pharmacist, and are pleased these awards support continued, safe customer access.”

 “The pandemic and unrest have reminded us that pharmacies and safe access to medications are essential in each of Minnesota’s communities,” says MPhA Executive Director Sarah Derr. “We are grateful to RALI MN for supporting this program, as well as to the team that reviewed applications for funds.”

MnRA and MPhA are proud partners with RALI MN in combatting the opioid epidemic in Minnesota.

Contacts:

Minnesota Retailers Association, Bruce Nustad
Tel. (651) 227-6631, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Minnesota Pharmacists Association, Sarah Derr
Tel. (763) 227-9622, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Minnesota
www.ralimn.org

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Recently the Minnesota Retailers Association along with several local chambers of commerce surveyed retailers relating to the current COVID customer capacity restrictions in place across the State. Overwhelmingly retailers subject to the current 50 percent capacity restriction indicated a strong desire to move to at least 75 precent before the Thanksgiving holiday, with one in three retailers saying the viability of their business depends on an increase.

Retailers indicated such an increase is important as they have leveraged their businesses to invest in seasonal and holiday inventory. And after being closed to in-store customers and soft sales during the pandemic, the final few months of 2020 are a make-it or break-it sales season for many.

The vast majority of retailers report they feel prepared for more capacity and have the processes and systems in place to do so safely and comfortably for both customer and employees, and a capacity increase will result in the addition of seasonal and long term job opportunities for Minnesotans across the state at a critical time.

In addition, the survey showed retailers are proud of the job the industry has done during the pandemic and are aware this is not the year for large crowds, as can be typically seen on holiday traffic days such as the day after Thanksgiving. As such, many retailers are spreading sales out over a longer period and with continued alternative shopping options including curbside, delivery and shipping.

Retailers also told us the State has a role to play in partnership with retailers to continue to tell the story of how this industry is responding to the pandemic and the precautions taken to protect consumers and employees.

Today’s Minnesota consumer is well-researched, cost-conscious and appreciative of shopping experiences and options. Join the Minnesota Retailers Association (MnRA) as we recognize ten leading retailers and industry partners at the announcement of the 2020 Minnesota’s Retail Champions.

Winners accepted their awards virtually during Retail Rally on Wednesday, October 7. Retail Rally is changing the way retailers and their key business partners engage with today’s consumer. The event featured seven 20-minute practical, game-changing, cutting edge retail innovations strategies and ideas.

“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,” says 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’s great about retail across the state, how the industry is changing, and what it takes to attract customers today.”

Watch the winner's video announcement here!

The following is a complete list of the 2020 Minnesota’s Retail Champion Award recipients:

Best Place to Work
Fitger’s on the Lake, Duluth, MN
Read more about this award!

Customer Experience
Past & Present Home Gallery, Alexandria, MN
Read more about this award!

Lifetime Achievement
Roberta Bonoff, Minnetonka, MN
Read more about this award!

Retailer of the Year
Schuler Shoes, Locations throughout MN
Read more about this award!

Retail Manager of the Year
Scott Farrell, Down in the Valley, Golden Valley, MN
Read more about this award!

Retail Innovation
Jaxon Grey, Minneapolis, MN
Read more about this award!

Business Resource of the Year
Boulay, Eden Prairie, MN
Read more about this award!

Vendor Partner of the Year
Minneapolis Mart, Minnetonka, MN
Read more about this award!

Retail Community of the Year
MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce, Blaine, MN
Read more about this award!

Advocate of the Year
Christine Ward, various locations in Minnesota
Read more about this award!

MnRA started the award process by putting out a statewide call for nominations early in the year. A panel of peer judges reviewed nearly eight dozen nominations and selected the top nominee in each category. Tickets to the event are $25 online at www.retailrally.com.