Erick DeLeon, Of The Lion Recognized with Entrepreneur of the Yeard Award

St. Paul, MN (October 1, 2026) – Minnesota Retailers is proud to recognize Erick DeLeon, owner of Of The Lion,with the Entrepreneur of the Year award as part of the 2026-2027 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.

After helping develop and grow a successful high-end retail concept for another company, DeLeon took the entrepreneurial leap to create Of The Lion in Minneapolis. He has since built the business into a distinctive retail destination known for curated merchandise, personalized service and a strong sense of community. DeLeon recently expanded the store to create a “clubhouse” environment where customers can shop, gather and connect, embracing an experiential approach that extends well beyond a traditional retail transaction. A graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, DeLeon also uses his business and platform to support local initiatives, entrepreneurs and organizations, demonstrating how entrepreneurship can create both economic opportunity and stronger communities.

“Erick DeLeon has built much more than a clothing store—he has created a brand, a destination and a genuine community,” said Bruce Nustad, president of Minnesota Retailers. “His vision for Of The Lion shows how a retailer can combine carefully curated products, exceptional service and memorable experiences to build lasting customer relationships. Erick’s creativity, courage and commitment to Minneapolis embody the entrepreneurial spirit we are proud to celebrate with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.”

“I am incredibly honored to be named Entrepreneur of the Year,” said DeLeon. “Of The Lion was created to be more than a place to shop. It is a place where people can connect, feel welcome and become part of a community. This recognition reflects the passion of our team, the support of our customers and the many relationships that have helped us grow. I am grateful for what we have built together and excited about what comes next.”

DeLeon will accept the award at Retail Rally on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, starting at 2:00 p.m. The event—held at Brookview in Golden Valley—will feature an insightful keynote presentation from University of St. Thomas Associate Professor Seth Ketron, Ph.D., titled “AI in the Customer Journey: Real Insights for Retail Leaders.” For more event details, visit 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.