Specialty outdoor retail organization Grassroots Outdoor Alliance announced its slate of nominees for the 2026 Grassroots Outdoor Specialty Awards. The awards recognize excellence across the Grassroots community, celebrating retailers, vendors, and industry leaders for achievements in business, advocacy, community impact, philanthropy, and specialty retail innovation.
Winners will be announced at the upcoming Grassroots Connect retail buying show, June 8–11, 2026, in Reno, Nev., where more than 290 exhibitors and more than 150 retailers will gather for line showings and strategic business conversations supporting Spring 2027 order writing. The awards ceremony will take place during lunch on Monday, June 8.
“These awards recognize the people and businesses pushing specialty outdoor retail forward,” said Gabe Maier, President of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. “Independent specialty retail succeeds because of strong partnerships, innovation, service, and an unwavering commitment to community. The businesses and individuals recognized through these awards represent the very best of our industry — retailers and vendors who continue to lead with passion, resilience, and purpose while helping shape the future of the outdoor specialty channel.”
The nominees for the 2026 Grassroots Outdoor Specialty Awards include:
Retailer Awards
- Retailer of the Year: Bill Jacksons (Pinellas Park, FL); Outdoor Experience-ID (Sandpoint, ID); Pack Rat Outdoor Center (Fayetteville, AR); Skinny Skis (Jackson, WY); The Trail Head (Missoula, MT)
- Community Giveback: Footsloggers Outdoor & Travel Outfitters (NC); Tahoe Mountain Sports (Truckee, CA), The Trail Head (Missoula, MT), Mountain Chalet (Colorado Springs, CO), Chopwood Mercantile (Crested Butte, CO)
- Retailer Growth Award: Casual Adventures (Arlington, VA); High Country Outfitters (Atlanta, GA); Mountain High Outfitters (Multiple Locations); River Rock Outfitter (Fredericksburg, VA); Saratoga Outdoors (Saratoga Spring, NY)
- Retail Wow Award: Bill Jacksons (Pinellas Park, FL); Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus (Grand Rapids, MI); Great Outdoor Store (Sioux Falls, SD); High Country Outfitters (Atlanta, GA); Pack Rat Outdoor Center (Fayetteville, AR)
Vendor Awards
- Vendor Partner of the Year: HydraPak; Patagonia; Rab; Smartwool; Sockwell
- Excellence in Hardgoods & Accessories: EDELRID; HydraPak; LEKI; NEMO Equipment; Nomadix
- Excellence in Apparel and Softgoods: Helly Hansen; Patagonia; Rab; Roark; Smartwool
- Excellence in Footwear: Altra; La Sportiva; Oboz; Salewa; Superfeet
New for 2026, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance will also recognize the Top 25 Independent Sales Representatives in specialty outdoor retail. Honorees were selected through nominations and feedback from both retailers and vendor partners, highlighting the critical role independent reps play in building relationships, supporting brands and retailers, driving product education, and strengthening the specialty marketplace.
“The specialty outdoor industry is built on relationships, and independent reps are often the connective tissue that keeps this community strong,” added Maier. “These individuals work behind the scenes every day to support retailers, represent brands with integrity, and help create meaningful long-term partnerships. We’re excited to recognize and celebrate their contributions alongside our retailers and vendor partners.”
Additional honors presented during the ceremony will include Appreciation for Board Service and Friend of Grassroots.
