Inaugural Last Mile Retail Awards Honors Excellence in Final-Mile Innovation and Leadership

NASHVILLE, TN, UNITED STATES, May 29, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The inaugural Last Mile Retail Awards lit up downtown Nashville on May 21, 2025, with a high-energy celebration held at the Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown. This landmark event brought together top executives and retail innovators to recognize excellence in last-mile delivery, customer experience, and supply chain innovation.

Presented in partnership with Home Delivery World and RETHINK Retail, the awards gala honored the retailers and individuals redefining what’s possible in the final mile—through innovation, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to customer satisfaction.

The room was filled with key industry leaders including Ivan Kucher, Vice President of Delivery Operations at Bob’s Discount Furniture; Brad Prevatt, Senior Director of Home Services Operations at Best Buy; Jeremy Thomas, Senior Director of Market Delivery at Lowe’s; Colin Yankee, Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer at Tractor Supply Co.; and Jake O’Neal, Vice President of Supply Chain & Logistics at ACE Hardware, who accepted ACE’s award with presenter Ralph Henderson, President of OmniChannel Productions.

The evening was masterfully hosted by Arelis Bonilla, CEO of Aria Logistics, and Rahmel Wattley, CEO of Truck & Hustle. The crowd enjoyed live entertainment from The Undercovers, who kept the atmosphere lively throughout the celebration.

🏆 Top Honors

* Retail Executive of the Year: Angela Gray Samuelson, Walmart
For her visionary leadership in transforming Walmart’s last-mile operations.

* Hall of Fame Inductee: Steve Anderson, Williams-Sonoma
For a lifetime of contributions to the evolution of retail logistics.

* Social Impact Retailer of the Year: Bob’s Discount Furniture
For meaningful community partnerships and social responsibility.

🛒 Category Winners

Furniture
* Best Customer Service Experience: CITY Furniture
* Most Innovative Retailer: AptDeco

Appliances
* Best Overall Appliance Retailer: Abt Electronics & Appliances
* Best Customer Service Experience: ZLINE Kitchen and Bath
* Most Innovative Retailer: Best Buy

Health & Fitness
* Best Customer Service Experience: iFIT
* Fitness Equipment Innovation: Technogym

Home Improvement
* Best Overall Retailer: ACE Hardware
* Best Customer Service Experience: Lowe’s
* Most Innovative Retailer: Tractor Supply Co.

Department Stores
* Best Overall Retail Department Store: Macy’s
* Most Innovative Retailer: Sam’s Club

Automotive
* Best Overall Service Experience: 1-800-Battery

Customer Experience
* Best Overall Customer Experience Retailer: Mattress Firm

🚚 Industry Support

The Last Mile Retail Awards was made possible thanks to the generous support of key logistics and fulfillment sponsors including Ryder, Hub Group, Pitt Ohio, SCI, Speedy Delivery, Aria Logistics, and My Home Delivery—highlighting the crucial role these organizations play in supporting final-mile performance and innovation.

As the retail industry continues to evolve, the Last Mile Retail Awards will return in 2026, promising an even bigger, bolder, and more impactful celebration. Retailers and service providers interested in sponsorship or participation are encouraged to connect early.

For details about the honoree, sponsorship inquiries, or to relive the 2025 celebration, visit www.lastmileretailawards.com. For information on 2026 sponsorship, contact Leena@lastmileretailawards.com.

Brian Mayes
Nashville Publicity Group
+1 615-771-2040
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