Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, was named Retail Innovator of the Year by the National Retail Federation.

New York City---January 15, 2008---The National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, with membership that comprises all retail formats and channels of distribution named John L. (Johnny) Morris the Retail Innovator of the Year.

Johnny Morris, founder and creator of one of the most beloved and recognizable brands in the world, created Bass Pro Shops simply because of his love of bass fishing and the outdoors. After using his own bait and stocking it in his father’s liquor stores, John quickly began to recognize sports fishermen’s need for specialized equipment and grew the idea into what has become a major tourist destination in virtually every store location. Three decades later, Bass Pro Shops continues to invoke the fantasy of every outdoor sportsman.

Other recipients were Terry Lundgren, Chairman and CEO of  Macy’s, Inc with the Gold Medal Award and Lane Crawford, an Asian retailer, with the International Retailer of the Year Award.

“This year’s retail award winners have continued to keep up with their customers by providing some of the most advanced, innovative ideas around to handle their demands,” said NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin. “We are thrilled to honor these visionaries for all they’ve accomplished in the ever-changing world of retail.”