Patti Riordan, owner of Smoke Stack Hobby Shop in Lancaster, Ohio has been recognized as an honoree for the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) America’s Retail Champion award. NRF’s America’s Retail Champions program celebrates small retailers who are exceptional champions for retail and the communities they serve. Thirty-four U.S. small retailers were selected as champions for the program and will take part in an industry celebration during NRF’s Retail Advocates Summit in Washington D.C. on July 28th.
“We are very fortunate to have members like Patti who are willing to take time away from their business to advocate on the industry’s behalf,” stated Gordon Gough, President and CEO of the Council. “Patti has hosted tours with legislators, penned op-eds on crucial issues, and gone above and beyond to support the retail industry in Ohio. She is certainly deserving of this distinguished recognition. We look forward to celebrating her and the other exceptional honorees later this summer in our Nation’s capital.
“I’m honored to have been selected as one of NRF’s America’s Retail Champions for 2022,” said Riordan. “It’s exciting to make the trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with legislators, represent small retailers in Ohio, and display a few of our key products. Our access to NRF and membership through the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants has given us a much louder voice on issues that impact our hobby shop and small retailers than we could possibly do on our own. From the Postal Reform Act, to shipping and supply chain concerns and the high cost of swipe fees, we will continue to voice our concerns by advocating on important issues that help our business.”
The Smoke Stack Hobby Shop in Lancaster, Ohio has over 45 years in the business of providing hobbyists with the right tools for their particular hobby. The shop has been family-owned and operated and since its opening in 1977.