Grassroots Outdoor Alliance announced its 2025 Grassroots Outdoor Specialty Awards, including its Retailer of the Year (Trail Creek Outfitters) and Vendor of the Year (Patagonia). The annual awards program celebrate excellence among grassroots retailers and vendors, as well as achievements in business, advocacy, community action and philanthropy. Winners are selected based on peer feedback in the specialty retailer and vendor communities.
Winners were announced June 9 at the Spring 2025 Grassroots Connect buying show in Reno, N.V..
“Recognizing the hard work that retailers and brands do day in and day out to positively serve their communities while running successful businesses is one of the highlights of the year for our team and for all of the retailers and brands involved in selecting the winners,” said Grassroots Outdoor Alliance VP, Dana Howe. “It’s especially meaningful because these awards are given out based solely on feedback from a community of peers. It’s also meaningful because the best practices that these retailers and manufacturers put into action to earn these awards also provide great educational takeaways for us to share with our members, helping make our entire industry better in the process.”
2025 winners include:
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Retailer of the Year — Trail Creek Outfitters
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Vendor of the Year — Patagonia
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Excellence in Footwear — Salewa
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Excellence in Hardgoods & Accessories — Nemo Equipment
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Excellence in Apparel & Softgoods — Rab
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Community Giveback Award — Massey’s Outfitters
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Retailer Growth Award — Active Endeavors
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Retailer Wow Award (merchandising & store design) — The Toggery
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Excellence in Sales Representation — Emily Rach (Midwest Outdoor Sales), Heath Rowland (Ground Up Sales) and Kurt Smith (Top Gun Sales)
