Madison retailer wins Horny Toad summer merchandising contest

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. (August 23, 2007) – The mission was simple: bring Horny Toad’s tagline of “Every Day is an Adventure” to life through in-store merchandising. But the result was overwhelming.

During a three-month campaign by key specialty retailers nationwide, the Horny Toad summer merchandising contest succeeded in elevating the Horny Toad brand and motivating sales staffs throughout the country to think about and act on the company’s unique branding.

When the dust settled, 17 of Horny Toad’s strongest retailers were selected as finalists. And from that superior pool, A Stone’s Throw (Madison, Wisc.) was chosen as the grand prize winner.

“You won’t find a happier or more appreciative staff”,” said Stacey Rowe of A Stone’s Throw.

As the winners of the 2007 Horny Toad Summer Cup, the staff at A Stone’s Throw will be rewarded with an adventure of their own – a trip for four employees to Horny Toad headquarters in Santa Barbara, Calif. The adventure includes surf camp, sea kayaking, a tour of Horny Toad headquarters, and, best of all, a credit towards the fall Horny Toad order.

The Horny Toad merchandising contest is an annual spring affair that engages retailers nationwide. Stores are encouraged to enter the competition by creating one-of-a-kind displays and then sending a picture and supporting application form to Horny Toad.

“Once we decided upon themes for the larger displays (in-store and window) and began putting them together, it was a great topic of discussion with and among our customers. They wanted to know what the buzz was all about, and that allowed us more opportunities to talk about all the items on display and encourage them to try on all the fun pieces,” read the contest application from A Stone’s Throw. “Our displays reflect our feeling that Horny Toad represents fun, adventurous (yet practical for real people!) clothing—every style works together whether we’re jetting off to Paris or just taking the dog for a walk.”

All entrants in the summer merchandising contest were judged by the Horny Toad staff, a company that thrives on creative business practices.

Honorable mentions in the 2007 Summer Cup included Wild Iris (Lander, Wyoming), Appalachian Ski + Outdoor (State College, Penn.); and Earth Sports Outfitters (Bannockburn, Illinois).

Each of the runner-ups will receive $500 and expert consultation in creating an adventure for their employees, as well as a credit toward their fall Horny Toad order.

About Horny Toad: Based in Santa Barbara, California, a few hundred yards from the beach, Horny Toad creates active lifestyle apparel for men and women. “Every Day is an Adventure” is the mantra and constant inspiration for unique designs, business practices and way of life. Horny Toad’s company culture is oriented around community, sustainability, and seeking new ways to accomplish traditional business goals. To learn more please visit our website at www.hornytoad.com, or call 800.865.TOAD. ###