Retailer of the Year Award nominations could mean a free trip to Germany!

Have you nominated your favorite outdoor specialty retail store for the 2012 Retailer of the Year awards yet? The awards, presented by SNEWS® and Backpacker magazine, and sponsored by Horny Toad, offer a very sweet thank-you and recognition to deserving retailers. Heck, that retailer could be you…. Yes, you can nominate yourself.

Of course, you think your store is worthy. Bet your customers love you, too. But, no one wins unless they are nominated, so get busy today by having your staff, your customers, your reps, anyone you can think of nominate you at www.outsidebusinessjournal.com/roty.

One retailer will be awarded the title “Retailer of the Year,” and the grand prize of a free staff trip for two to the ispo trade show in Munich, Germany. Six others will be honored as best-in-class in each of the following categories:

• Sustainable Business
• Community
• Youth Involvement
• Growth of Outdoor Sports
• Conservation
• Best Online Retailer

In all categories, winning retailers must display exemplary efforts in customer loyalty and service, employee training and retention, as well as demonstrate excellent merchandising skills.

The deadline for nominations to be received is Oct. 1, 2011. The form is far simpler than ever to fill out. And unless you fill out the form, you will be missing out the opportunity to earn Retailer of the Year bragging rights and a FREE trip to Germany and the ispo show.

There is NO limit on the number of nominations a store can receive — so post the nomination link above to your store Facebook page, Tweet it out there, and give it to your customers, your staff and your friends.

Retailer of the Year winners will be announced at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2012 during a special ceremony, and each winner will receive a plaque suitable for public display in a store so winners can promote their accomplishment.

In addition, each retailer will receive:

• A store profile in a Retailer of the Year Showcase on SNEWSnet.com.
• Prominent mention in a Retailer of the Year feature in Backpacker’s Gear Guide.
• A digital image of the SNEWS/Backpacker Retailer of the Year logo suitable for use as a window decal, award recognition on all letterhead, brochures and other store publications, and display on a website.

Nominate your favorite retailer today at www.outsidebusinessjournal.com/roty (And, we do accept self nominations!) The call for nominations closes on Oct. 1. Vote today. Vote for yourself and you may be off to Germany!