For a creative storefront display blending a pair of 6-foot tall Horny Toads, a surfboard and barbecue grill, Vermonts Climb High outdoor shop was honored as the grand prize winner of the 2005 Horny Toad Summer Cup, a twice-a-year merchandising competition.
The theme of contest was “Every Day is an Adventure,” Horny Toads signature tagline. More than 40 retailers nationwide entered the competition, creating one-of-a-kind displays and sending a picture in to Horny Toads main office in Santa Barbara, Calif.
All entrants were judged on creativity and professionalism not merely the size of their toads.
“We see our retailers as an essential part of the Horny Toad family. And what would family be without a little healthy competition?” said Gordon Seabury, president of Horny Toad.
As the winners of the 2005 Horny Toad Summer Cup, Climb High won an “adventure” of their own — a trip for four employees to Horny Toad headquarters. The adventure includes surf camp, sea kayaking, a tour of Horny Toad headquarters, and a credit towards the fall 2005 Horny Toad order.
“My staff learned a lot about the merchandising of the product, as well as about who Horny Toad is,” said Don Ahrens of Climb High. “It gave them a much better all around outlook on Horny Toad especially that its a fun company. We feel it will get the staff psyched to wear and sell the product, as well as to show off the display they created.”
Three runner-ups in the competition included the Alpine shop (South Burlington, Vermont); Waters Edge (Tofte, Minn.); and Doug Sports (Hood River, Ore.). 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 2005 Horny Toad order.
Honorable mentions included Summit Hut (Tucson, Ariz.); Appalachian Ski & Outdoor (State College, Penn.); Idaho River Sports (Boise, Idaho); and Pine Needle Mountaineering (Durango, Colo.)
