In the September 2014 issue of Outdoor USA Magazine Alpenglow Sports was included as one of the Top 100 Retailers of North America. The Tahoe City, California shop, known primarily for trail running, rock climbing, backcountry and Nordic skiing, was included amongst other brick and mortar specialty retail shops from across the country, but was the only shop listed in the Tahoe region.

The goal of the award is to highlight the true value of the outdoor specialty channel and its critical role in the greater onmi-channel discussion. Outdoor USA Magazine’s Top 100 Retailers initiative recognizes the leading independent, outdoor and active lifestyle specialty retail businesses for their outstanding work and entrepreneurial drive.

“The independent specialty retail channel is essential to building engaged outdoor and active lifestyle communities,” said Raimondo Forlin, publisher of Outdoor USA Magazine. “Specialty retailers also play a key role in fostering product innovation and brand authenticity because in this channel is where new products, new brands and technologies earn credibility with the consumer. We are happy to honor the stores that are setting the bar for success.”

“We’ve always prided ourselves in sharing the love of mountain sports. Alpenglow also feels very strongly about giving back to our wonderful community that has supported us since 1979. It really is an honor to serve the mountain enthusiasts of Lake Tahoe,” said owner Brendan Madigan.

Despite the growing popularity of digital brand store-fronts and direct-to-consumer sales, outdoor specialty stores remain a cultural hub for communities, offering a strong mix of product expertise and local insights.

“We’re extremely humbled that our peers put us into a category with the other awesome brick and mortar shops around the country, shops I’ve looked up to since I was a teenager,” according to Madigan.

© 2014