Ten Minnesota's Retail Champions Named For 2026-2027

St. Paul (October 1, 2026) -- Join Minnesota Retailers as we recognize ten leading retailers and industry partners with the announcement of the 2026-2027 Minnesota’s Retail Champions awards. Winners will accept their awards during Retail Rally on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Brookview 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 2026-2027 Minnesota’s Retail Champion award recipients:

Lifetime Achievement
Jill Renslow, Mall of America, Bloomington
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Retail Community of the Year
New Ulm
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Emerging Retailer of the Year
Niche Books, Lakeville
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Retail Team of the Year
Smith + Trade Mercantile, Stillwater, Crosby, Red Wing
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Advocate of the Year
Detective Josh Pirkola, Coon Rapids Police Department, Coon Rapids
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Entrepreneur of the Year
Erick DeLeon, Of the Lion, Minneapolis
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Social Responsibility
Green Valley Greenhouse, Ramsey
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Retail Innovation
Razava Bread Co., St. Paul
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Workplace Culture
Twin City Heating Air & Electric, Blaine
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Customer Experience
Lakes Makerie, Minneapolis
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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. 

Retail Rally is changing the way retailers and their key business partners engage with today’s consumer. This year's event features an insightful keynote presentation from Univ. of St. Thomas Associate Professor of Marketing Seth Ketron, Pd.D., titled “AI in the Customer Journey: Real Insights for Retail Leaders.” Tickets to Retail Rally are available at www.retailrally.com. Media is welcome.

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.