This July, Zipline Summer Camp 2026 brought major retail innovation energy to Chicago. No campfires or canoes, but plenty of hot takes on store execution. Zipline’s annual customer conference took place in the Windy City from July 13-15, with over 250 attendees coming together to share reflections and insights shaping retail operations today.
Retail pros from nearly 100 incredible brands came together to participate in workshops, expert talks, and inspirational networking opportunities. Summer Camp continues to prove that retail success starts with a passion and commitment to strong leadership and store execution that puts people first.
Our favorite part of putting Summer Camp together each year is getting to recognize the trailblazers leading the pack while making the most of Zipline to do it. Here are the winners of the Summer Camp 2026 Awards:
Best Readership
In recognition of high engagement, proactivity, and accountability across store teams.
Best Readership Winners:
- >1,000 Stores – Bath & Body Works
- 300-999 Stores – Bealls
- 100-299 Stores – Tilly’s
- <100 Stores – Blain’s Farm & Fleet
Best Execution
In recognition of exceptional execution and seamless customer experiences throughout store locations.
Best Execution Winners:
- >1,000 Stores – Five Below
- 300-999 Stores – Pacsun
- 100-299 Stores – Green Thumb Industries
- <100 Stores – Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace
Most Improved
In recognition of retail teams who’ve made significant progress in team communications and store execution.
Most Improved Winners:
- Readership: Community Veterinary Partners
- Execution: Spencer Gifts
Newcomer Awards
In recognition of new Zipline customers making the most of the platform to level up team and customer experiences.
Newcomer Award Winners:
- Readership: Citi Trends
- Execution: Lids
Most Resourceful Awards
In recognition of individual team members who’ve gone above and beyond with their time and resources.
Resourceful Award Winners:
- Wendy Gentry – Tilly’s
- Penni Martinez – Barnes & Noble College
Zippy Time Savings Award
In recognition of Zipline customers making the most of the platform to level up their time savings.
Time Savings Award Winners:
- >1,000 Stores – Five Below
- 300-999 Stores – Warby Parker
- 100-299 Stores – Rona
- <100 Stores – Arc’teryx
Raising the bar for retail execution
Zipline customers are consistently raising the bar for what it means to turn operational excellence into memorable brand magic. They’re not just asking “how do we get this done?” They’re closing the gap between HQ and execution with a platform by retailers for retailers.
Each one of our winners across these six award categories recognize that, to build a brand that connects with consumers, you have to support a team that builds bridges across stores and roles. We’re grateful that they’ve chosen Zipline to power their success.
Congratulations to the Summer Camp 2026 Awards Winners. We’re looking forward to seeing you and even more of our customers next year!
