prAna announced the winners of its new “Build a prAna Environment” merchandising contest, launched in June 2007. Designed to encourage retailers to conceptualize and build prAna-themed environments in their stores, prAna received an overwhelming number of entries for the contest’s debut.

First prize was awarded to Half Moon Outfitters, which has locations in Greenville, Charleston, Mt. Pleasant and Columbia, S.C. The winning display featured aspects of prAna’s wind power initiative, an abstract wind farm, methods of sustainability, recycled materials, and beautifully merchandised prAna apparel. Half Moon Outfitters duplicated this theme in four of its five locations. Half Moon Outfitters won a three-day vacation to San Diego for two that includes spending time with the prAna crew and engaging in activities such as climbing, surfing, cycling, sailing and a private sightseeing flight with prAna founder and pilot, Beaver Theodosakis. First prize also included additional discounts on all fall 2007 preseason orders.

Second place was awarded to Landsharks in Saugatuck, Mich.; the entry was presented in a video highlighting an amazing window display that included prAna’s sustainability message, acknowledgement of prAna’s roots in rock-climbing and yoga, organic materials, and a tasteful display of prAna clothing. Landsharks received a climbing trip for two with world-class climber Chris Sharma and additional discounts on all fall 2007 preseason orders.

The runners up are Pack and Paddle in Lafayette, La., Ames Outdoors in Ames, Iowa, Black Creek Outfitters in Jacksonville, Fla. and Evolution Yoga in Woodmere, Ohio.

“We are greatly appreciative to all of the retailers for their hard work,” said Beaver Theodosakis. “Their collective talents made the task of choosing the winners quite difficult, as so many of the displays were terrific ! We were truly inspired by the creativity and passion of the teams that built these displays – especially their take on the theme of sustainability.”

Retailers were judged on overall display impact and their ability to communicate the prAna brand and sustainability story. An in-house panel of prAna designers, account managers, customer service representatives, marketing team members and prAna founders selected the winners. The winners and many of the submissions will be recognized and displayed at the prAna booth 8027 at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City.