Wanted: Great Outdoor Specialty Retailers
To recognize the best-in-class in specialty outdoor retailing, SNEWS® is teaming with Backpacker magazine to honor the efforts of retailers across the country with the first of what will be an annual award: the SNEWS® / Backpacker Retailer of the Year.
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Are you one of the best retailers in the U.S.?

Then SNEWS® and Backpacker magazine want to talk to you!
To recognize the best-in-class in specialty outdoor retailing, SNEWS® is teaming with Backpacker magazine to honor the efforts of retailers across the country with the first of what will be an annual award: the SNEWS® / Backpacker Retailer of the Year.
One retailer will be awarded the title “Retailer of the Year”, and 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, and as well as demonstrate excellent merchandising skills.
Retailer of the Year winners will be announced at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2009 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 copy of a special PDF business journal featuring profiles of each of the winners, emailed to all SNEWS® subscribers and suitable for distributing to retail customers honoring the achievements.
- 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.
An aggressive national and regional public relations campaign will accompany the formal announcement of winners, highlighting the significance of the recognition to radio and television stations, newspapers, magazines, online blogs and key trade publications.
Entry Deadline: September 1, 2008
Nominate your favorite retailer today.… Heck, nominate yourself if you think you’re worthy. Visit www.outsidebusinessjournal.com/roty to begin nominating your favorite retailer now.