Great Outdoor Blog

Raleigh, NC, January 28, 2010 – SNEWS and Backpacker honored Great Outdoor Provision Co. as the recipient of the 2010 Retailer of the Year Award for Conservation, a recognition given annually to the outdoor retailer who embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and who serves as visionary for the outdoor market in the area of conservation.

SNEWS President Michael Hodgson and Backpacker Editor In Chief Jonathan Dorn presented the award on Thursday, January 21, the first day of the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City.

“With sales of active outdoor recreation gear and accessories on the rise, specialty outdoor retailers are playing a significant and influential role in the growth and development of our outdoor community, “says Michael Hodgson, president of SNEWS.  “We’re happy to honor their efforts, not only on the retail level, but in the way they are making the outdoors more accessible to consumers.”

“We’re flattered and, quite frankly, stunned to be considered on a par with the other specialty outdoor retailers considered for this award,” said Tom Valone, founder and president of GOPC. “All the credit for earning this honor goes to our customers who are passionate about the outdoors and enthusiastic about supporting our outreach efforts to help the environment.”

The Second Annual Retailer of the Year Award for Conservation was carefully selected through a rigorous judging process that first began in July of 2009 with a call for nominations seeking the best outdoor retailers in the United States. Over 100 stores across the country received nominations. ? After reviewing all nominations, a slate of finalists—determined by a first round of voting by SNEWS and Backpacker editors—was then presented to a panel of judges who evaluated each store based on personal and customer experience, reputation in the outdoor community, quality of customer feedback from the nomination forms received, and overall store excellence based on demonstrated excellence in community involvement, sustainability efforts, store training levels and more.

About Great Outdoor Provision Co.
Founded in 1972 the Great Outdoor Provision Co. now has seven stores in seven North Carolina cities. The store sells clothing and equipment for outdoor enthusiasts, including those who enjoy hiking, backpacking, paddling, rock climbing and fly fishing. It also carries sportswear and shoes. Great Outdoor Provision Co. supports environmental, youth and human-services organizations in the communities in which it operates. For more information, go to greatoutdoorprovision.com/culture/wesupport.