US marine equipment retailer’s 2019 Very Important Vendor awards presented to eight suppliers

Garmin Vendor of the Year 2019

West Marine 2019 VIV award winners were recognised at a special ceremony held at the retailer’s California corporate headquarters in August

US-based marine equipment retailer West Marine recognised eight of its top vendor partners last month at the company’s 25th annual Very Important Vendor (VIV) awards.

Presented at the company’s California corporate headquarters on August 28, the VIV awards celebrate vendor partners who demonstrate consistent excellence in product quality, sales growth, supply chain and sales support, and who “continually go above and beyond to help West Marine serve their customers throughout the year”.

Garmin was honoured with the 2019 Vendor of the Year title. Additional award winners by category include: Johnson Outdoors for Best Sales Growth; JL Audio for Best New Product; West Systems as Best Supply Chain Partner; Lumitec for Best West Marine Pro Support; JL Audio,for Best E-Commerce Support; and New England Ropes for Best Store Support. The Best Vendor Representative award was presented to Ed Washburn, Sun Selections.

“West Marine is committed to our mission of outfitting, educating and inspiring boaters. We are able to consistently fulfill that mission thanks to our vendors who pursue excellence right alongside us,” says West Marine chief merchandise officer, Ron Baime. “We work with the best brands and suppliers in the marine industry and are thrilled to continue growing and innovating with them.”

West Marine operates 240 retail locations in the US, along with an eCommerce retail website.

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