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Retail Beat
updates for retailers + key business partners
October 19, 2026
| | Celebrating 10 years of Retail Rally and Minnesota’s Retail Champions! Over the past decade, we’ve proudly recognized 102 outstanding retailers, individuals, businesses and communities that make Minnesota retail extraordinary. Here’s to a decade of celebrating the best of retail and the people who make our industry shine! | | | Minnesota Retailers Celebrates 10 Years of Retail Rally and Honors 2026–2027 Retail Champions | |
Ten outstanding retailers, communities and industry partners were celebrated last Wednesday as Minnesota Retailers marked a decade of recognizing the very best of retail!
It was a special afternoon at Brookview in Golden Valley on October 14 as Minnesota Retailers celebrated the 10th anniversary of Retail Rally and recognized the 2026–2027 Minnesota's Retail Champions. The event brought together retailers, business partners and community leaders to celebrate the people, businesses and ideas making Minnesota's retail industry stronger.
Over the past decade, Minnesota Retailers has recognized 102 Retail Champions, shining a spotlight on innovation, entrepreneurship, community investment, outstanding customer experiences and leadership. This year's ten honorees continued that tradition, demonstrating the incredible diversity and impact of retail across Minnesota.
Congratulations to our 2026–2027 Minnesota's Retail Champions! Click on each recipient's name to learn more about their award and accomplishments.
The afternoon also featured an engaging keynote presentation from Seth Ketron, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of St. Thomas, titled AI in the Customer Journey: Real Insights for Retail Leaders (pictured below). Dr. Ketron shared insights into how artificial intelligence is changing consumer behavior and creating new opportunities for retailers to connect with customers.
A special thank-you goes to our Retail Rally Committee for helping make this milestone celebration possible: Chair Hillary Feder of Hillary's; Dan Wolter of Hy-Vee; Lonnie McQuirter of 36 Lyn Refuel Station; and Juli Lassow of JHL Solutions. Their leadership, creativity and commitment to celebrating retail have helped make Retail Rally a signature industry event. Also thank you to Dan Wolter and Marisa Wilson of Red Wing Shoes for presenting the awards.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to our Retail Rally sponsors, whose generous support makes it possible to recognize outstanding retailers and bring the industry together. Thank you for investing in Minnesota's retail community and helping us tell its many success stories.
At Minnesota Retailers, we couldn't be prouder to lift up and highlight this incredible industry. Retail is about much more than transactions. It's about people, opportunities, innovation and the businesses that make our communities vibrant. For ten years, Retail Rally has given us the opportunity to tell those stories, recognize extraordinary accomplishments and remind Minnesotans just how much retail contributes to our state.
Congratulations again to all our retail champions, past and present, and thank you to everyone who joined us for this special 10-year celebration. Here's to the next decade of celebrating Minnesota retail!
Meet all the 2026–2027 Minnesota's Retail Champions.
| Congratulations to Minnesota's Retail Champions! | | |
Congratulations to our 2026–2027 Minnesota’s Retail Champions! These outstanding individuals, businesses and communities represent the very best of Minnesota retail. We are proud to celebrate their achievements, share their stories and recognize the many ways they strengthen our industry and the communities they serve. Please join us in congratulating this year’s honorees!
Lifetime Achievement: Jill Renslow, Mall of America!
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Minnesota Retailers is proud to recognize Jill Renslow at Mall of America with the Lifetime Achievement award as part of the 2026-2027 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.
During more than 25 years at Mall of America, Renslow has helped guide the evolution of one of the world’s most recognized retail and entertainment destinations. As chief business development and marketing officer, she oversees a broad portfolio that includes branding, public relations, digital strategy, guest engagement, events, partnerships and emerging business opportunities. Her leadership has contributed to major initiatives ranging from the $25 million transformation of Nickelodeon Universe to Mall of America’s long-term expansion and development plans. Renslow has also championed community engagement and sustainability, including Community Commons, which provided rent-free space for local businesses displaced during the civil unrest of 2020.
Click here to learn more!
Retail Community of the Year: New Ulm
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Minnesota Retailers is proud to announce the community of New Ulm as the recipient of the Retail Community of the Year award, part of the 2026-2027 Minnesota's Retail Champions program.
New Ulm has built a strong retail environment through collaboration among local businesses, the New Ulm Business & Retail Association, New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Action Team, City of New Ulm, Economic Development Authority, Convention & Visitors Bureau, community volunteers and others. Together, these partners support year-round retail promotions, community events, placemaking efforts and business-development programs that attract customers and encourage local investment. That commitment is producing measurable results: the New Ulm Chamber Dollar program has generated more than $2.2 million in local spending, while the Loyal to Local Holiday Passport program documented more than $425,700 in spending over three years. From Crazy Days and Small Business Saturday to Oktoberfest, Polka Palooza and the downtown Car and Bike Roll-Ins, New Ulm consistently brings businesses and the community together to create a vibrant local economy.
Click here to learn more!
Emerging Retailer of the Year: Niche Books
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Minnesota Retailers is proud to recognize Niche Books, with the Emerging Retailer of the Year award as part of the 2026-2027 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.
After leaving a corporate career to pursue her passion for books and literacy, Ashley Christopherson opened Niche Books in historic downtown Lakeville. The independent bookstore carries new and used books for all ages, along with book-inspired gifts, while offering the carefully curated selections and personal recommendations readers value. Through author appearances, children’s activities and creative events such as a Book Lover’s New Year’s Eve celebration, Christopherson has built a welcoming destination centered on discovery and connection. By bringing an energetic, locally owned retail business to a historic storefront, Christopherson is contributing to downtown Lakeville’s vitality while demonstrating the continued strength and relevance of bookstores.
Click here to learn more!
Retail Team of the Year: Smith + Trade Mercantile
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Minnesota Retailers is proud to recognize Smith + Trade Mercantile with the Retail Team of the Year award as part of the 2026-2027 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.
The Smith + Trade Mercantile team demonstrated extraordinary commitment and resilience following a major health event suffered by owner and founder Paul Kaufer in July 2025. As Paul spent 50 days in the hospital and another 30 days in acute rehabilitation, his wife and business partner, Kelli, devoted her attention to supporting his recovery. Employees stepped forward to maintain operations across the company’s Stillwater, Crosby and Red Wing locations, serve customers without interruption and support the local artisans whose products fill the stores. During this challenging period, the team helped Smith + Trade Mercantile surpass $1 million in annual revenue for the first time while successfully navigating the postponement of a planned expansion. Their willingness to embrace additional responsibilities and provide stability demonstrated the strength of the culture Kelli and Paul had built, and the exceptional character of the people who carry it forward.
Click here to learn more!
Advocate of the Year: Detective Josh Pirkola, Coon Rapids Police Department/Minnesota Organized Retail Crime Association
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Minnesota Retailers is proud to recognize Detective Josh Pirkola with the Advocate of the Year award, part of the 2026-2027 Minnesota's Retail Champions program.
Pirkola has been one of Minnesota’s most credible and effective voices in the fight against organized retail crime. As a detective with the Coon Rapids Police Department and vice president of the Minnesota Organized Retail Crime Association, Pirkola drew on his firsthand investigative experience to help lawmakers understand how sophisticated criminal enterprises manipulate gift cards and target consumers. During the 2026 legislative session, he testified before legislative committees, participated in a Capitol press conference, and served as a trusted resource for lawmakers. His compelling advocacy and commitment to collaboration played an instrumental role in the passage of Minnesota’s gift card fraud law, strengthening protections for consumers and giving law enforcement additional tools to hold organized criminals accountable and protect consumers.
Click here to learn more!
Customer Experience: Lakes Makerie
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Minnesota Retailers is proud to recognize Lakes Makerie with the Customer Experience award as part of the 2026-2027 Minnesota's Retail Champions program.
After a successful career in cardiology, Sarah Vernon took a leap of faith and turned her lifelong passion for sewing into Lakes Makerie, a fabric shop and sewing studio in south Minneapolis. The store combines thoughtfully curated fabrics, patterns and sewing supplies with knowledgeable service, supportive instruction and popular classes for makers at every experience level. When Joann Fabrics closed its stores, Lakes Makerie welcomed many sewing enthusiasts who were searching for a new creative home. By building a destination centered on creativity, learning and authentic human connection, Vernon has reimagined the traditional fabric store and created a customer community where people feel welcomed, inspired and connected.
Click here to learn more!
Social Responsibility: Green Valley Greenhouse
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Minnesota Retailers is proud to honor Green Valley Greenhouse with the Social Responsibility award as part of the 2026-2027 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program. Green Valley Greenhouse was nominated by the Minnesota Chamber Environmental Sustainability Foundation.
Green Valley Greenhouse in Ramsey has undertaken a comprehensive sustainability initiative that demonstrates how environmental stewardship and retail success can go hand in hand. The company installed a blackout curtain system that improves growing conditions while saving an estimated 1,541 dekatherms of natural gas annually. Green Valley also composts approximately 2,500 pounds of unsaleable plants and recycles more than 10,900 pounds of plastic film each year, including soil bags, pallet wrap and other packaging. Together, these initiatives are reducing waste, conserving resources and lessening the company’s environmental impact.
Click here to learn more!
Retail Innovation: Razava Bread Co.
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Minnesota Retailers is proud to honor Razava Bread Co. with the Retail Innovation award as part of the 2026-2027 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.
Razava Bread Co. is a St. Paul bakery and retail concept that combines more than 130 years of Baldinger family baking history with a fresh approach to old-world artisan bread. Founder Steve Baldinger and founding baker Omri Zin-Tamir opened Razava in 2024 near the neighborhood where Henry Baldinger began baking in 1888. Inspired by a historic Eastern European bread once produced by Baldinger Bakery, Razava uses traditional ingredients, patient preparation and careful technique to create sourdough breads, bagels, baguettes and flatbreads with distinctive flavors and textures. By connecting historical research and four generations of baking knowledge with an inviting, consumer-facing experience, Razava has created a bakery concept rooted in tradition but built for modern customers.
Click here to learn more!
Workplace Culture: Twin City Heating, Air & Electric
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Minnesota Retailers is excited to recognize Twin City Heating, Air & Electric with the Workplace Culture award as part of the 2026-2027 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program. Twin City Heating, Air & Electric was nominated by the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce.
Twin City Heating, Air & Electric is a multigenerational, family-owned Blaine business that has built its workplace culture around six core values: passion, excellence, growth, finding wins, teamwork and having fun. Under the leadership of owner and CEO Wymond Wong and the next generation of company leadership, those values are reflected in everyday actions—from celebrating employee achievements and creating professional-development opportunities to team breakfasts and activities that build genuine connections. The company and its leaders also give back through active involvement in the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce and other community initiatives. That commitment has earned Twin City Heating, Air & Electric consecutive community honors, including the 2024 Family-Owned Business Award and the 2025 Community Champion Excellence in Business Award.
Click here to learn more!
Entrepreneur of the Year: Erick DeLeon, Of The Lion
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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.
Click here to learn more!
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Ecomm Forum is back. Join Irish Titan on October 29th at Glass House in Minneapolis for a high-content, high-energy exploration of what’s happening now and what’s next in ecommerce.
Ecomm Forum celebrates ecommerce achievements and inspires those to come. We’ll dive into ecommerce best practices, emerging technology, automation, industry trends, and practical ideas you can put to work. From small businesses to global brands, today’s commerce landscape is pushing companies to innovate faster, adapt smarter, and continue raising the bar for customer expectations.
Hosted by Irish Titan, Ecomm Forum brings together a lineup of speakers, panelists, sponsors, and ecommerce leaders to explore the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of commerce.
Learn more.
| | Join Minnesota Retailers for The Bravery Effect: A Business Leaders Breakfast Forum | |
Minnesota Retailers is pleased to partner with the Business Leaders Breakfast Forum for an upcoming leadership program, The Bravery Effect: How Brave Leaders Create Energy, Focus, and Action Through Constant Change, on Thursday, October 29, from 8:30–11:30 a.m. at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. As a program partner, we're inviting our members and friends to join us at a special discounted rate of just $30 per person.
Today's business leaders face no shortage of challenges, from economic pressures and workforce demands to AI disruption and constant change. How can leaders keep their teams energized, focused and moving forward without burning out?
Featured speaker Jill Schulman, bestselling author of The Bravery Effect and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, will share the science of bravery and practical strategies for leading through uncertainty. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience and research in positive psychology, Schulman will explore how leaders can build clarity, confidence, connection and courage in themselves and their teams.
Attendees will leave with practical tools for navigating difficult decisions, strengthening team performance and taking action even when the path forward isn't clear. Participants will also receive access to exclusive resources, including a digital copy of The Bravery Effect and a discussion guide.
Event Details
Thursday, October 29, 2026
8:30–11:30 a.m.
Hopkins Center for the Arts
1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN
Special Minnesota Retailers Registration Offer
Through our partnership with the Business Leaders Breakfast Forum, Minnesota Retailers members and guests can attend for just $30 per ticket.Visit www.breakfastleaders.com to register and enter VIP Code 1029MNRA to receive the discounted rate.
We hope you'll join us for a morning of fresh perspectives, practical leadership insights and connections with fellow business leaders!
| | Upcoming Webinar: What Retailers Need to Know About Minnesota's Packaging EPR Program | |
Minnesota's new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) packaging program is moving forward, and retailers have important responsibilities to understand as implementation continues.
Join Minnesota Retailers and Circular Action Alliance (CAA) on Friday, November 6, at 11:00 a.m. for a free webinar focused on what the law means for retail businesses, key implementation dates, and steps retailers should be taking to prepare.
Kris Coperine, Minnesota program manager for Circular Action Alliance, will provide a timely program update and practical guidance for retailers. CAA serves as Minnesota's producer responsibility organization and is helping implement the state's new packaging requirements.
The webinar will also include time for questions and answers, giving participants an opportunity to better understand how the program applies to their businesses.
Webinar Details
- Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
- Time: 11:00 a.m. Central
- Location: Zoom
- Cost: Free; members and non-members welcome
Register online at www.mnretail.org/packaging to reserve your spot.
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