Retailers of the Year Since 1999

Since 1999, the Alabama Retail Association’s Retailer of the Year Awards have recognized outstanding retailers from across the state and celebrated their contributions to Alabama’s economy and communities.

2025 Winners

Gold

Amie Wiley
Hissyfits Boutique
Dothan

Silver

Eric Ferrell
Alabama Outdoors
Homewood

Bronze

Jaime Thursby
Alabama Peanut Co.
Birmingham

Emerging

Matthew & Anna Claire Stinson
Stinson Breads
Opelika

New Era of Recognition

The Retailer of the Year awards have evolved over time to reflect the changing retail landscape. After taking a hiatus in 2006 and 2020, the program introduced the Emerging Retailer category in 2012, added the Customers’ Choice Award in 2015, and transitioned away from sales categories in 2025 to recognize Gold, Silver, Bronze and Emerging Retailers of the Year.

Honoring Past Recipients

Annual Sales Less Than $1 Million

Gold:

Silver:

  • 2023: Ann C. Welch, Nunnally’s Noble Frame & Gallery, Anniston
  • 2022: Tena King, King’s Olive Oil Company, Gadsden
  • 2021: Adena Green, Hope’s Chest Boutique & Gifts, Clanton
  • 2019:  Wesley Lassen, The Cook Store, Mountain Brook
  • 2018: Theo and Costas “Gus” Katechis, Chris’ Famous Hot Dogs,Montgomery
  • 2017 (three-way tie):
  • 2016: Marguerite Ray, Marguerite’s Conceits, Mountain Brook
  • 2015: Chet Chappelle, Rountree Outdoors, Selma
  • 2014: Jan Jacks, Dreamcakes Bakery, Birmingham
  • 2013: Marco and Elan Morosini, Silvertron Cafe,  Birmingham
  • 2012: Jake Reiss, The Alabama Booksmith, Homewood
  • 2011: Doris Butler Truax, Truax & Co., Selma
  • 2010: Carol and Stephen Brooks, Carol Brooks Home & Holiday Shoppe, Prattville
  • 2009: George Jones Jr., Snoozy’s Kids Inc., Mountain Brook
  • 2008: Homer G. Brown, BumperNets Inc., Hoover
  • 2007: Anne A. Appleby, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Gift Shop, Foley
  • 2005 (Tie): Kaleidoscope Inc., dba Think Toys, Anniston; Wilson W. McManus II, DVM, Valley Animal Hospital & Pet Resort SE, PC, Huntsville

Bronze:

  • 2022: Kristal Bryant, K & J’s Elegant Pastries, Birmingham
  • 2021: Dewey and Annette Todd, Todd Farms, Headland
  • 2019 (Tie):
  • 2018: Annette Harris, Rumors Deli Inc.,Cullman
  • 2016: Lisa Jackman, What’s Popp’N Gourmet Popcorn, Huntsville
  • 2015: Ann Messer and Tommy Glasscock, MorLyn’s Fine Jewelry, Clanton
  • 2014: Carla Hamilton, Four Corners Gallery, Birmingham
  • 2013: Managers and employees, Leaf & Petal, Mountain Brook
  • 2012: Leon Rosato, Gilchrist Soda Fountain, Mountain Brook
  • 2011: Pam Hope, Love McGehee and Kathy Penton, Southern Crossing, Opelika
  • 2010: Homer and Adam Brown, BumperNets Inc., Hoover
  • 2009: Justin Edwards, Scott Dean and Hal Craig, Momma Goldberg’s Deli, Homewood and Inverness
  • 2008: Dimitri G. Polizos, Capitol Grill Inc., Montgomery
  • 2007: Montez Oudenaarden, My Favorite Things, Monroeville
  • 2005: Pat Adamson, Pat’s Petals Garden Center, Ozark

Annual Sales $1 Million – $5 Million

Gold:

  • 2024: The Kessler family, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Spanish Fort
  • 2023: Bryson Kessler, Clover + Bee, Vestavia Hills
  • 2022: Amy Jason, Cookie Fix, Homewood, Cahaba Heights and Huntsville
  • 2021: Sherry Hartley and Beth Staula, Alabama Goods, Homewood and Huntsville
  • 2019: Brian Kane and Jim Foley, Fairhope Brewing Co.
  • 2018: George R. Wilder, The Locker Room,Montgomery and Auburn
  • 2017: Jodie and Karen Stanfield, Local Joe’s, Rainbow City and Alexandria
  • 2016: Jheovanny Gomez, Jalapeños Mexican Restaurants, Tuscaloosa, Northport and Cottondale
  • 2015: James McAleer and Melissa McAleer Cross, McAleer’s Office Furniture, Mobile
  • 2014: Carole Griffin, Continental Bakery and Chez Lulu in Mountain Brook and Continental Bakery Downtown in Birmingham
  • 2013: Van Sykes, Bob Sykes Bar B Q Restaurant, Bessemer
  • 2012: Jay Klos, Grogran Jewelers, Huntsville and Florence
  • 2011: Terry Chapman, Business Electronics Corp., Homewood
  • 2010 (Tie): Janet Holcomb, The Fitting Touch, Birmingham; Jimmy Ray Smith, Jimmy Smith Jewelers, Decatur
  • 2009: Leo, J.L. and Ken Shaia, Shaia’s of Homewood
  • 2008: Katherine McRee and Susan Day, The Lili Pad/GiGi’s, Vestavia Hills
  • 2007: Jo Ellen Jordan, Cook & Sons Ace Hardware Inc., Albertville
  • 2005: David Carrington, RacingUSA.com, Pelham
  • 2000: Gene Poole, Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers, Tuscaloosa

Silver:

  • 2023: Sid, Shea, Brian and Gina Schroll, The Name Dropper/Storkland, Montgomery
  • 2022: Bill E. Stitt, BILL-E’s and BILL-E’s SMALL BATCH BACON, Fairhope
  • 2021 (Tie):
  • 2019: Jim Moeller, New York Butcher Shoppe, Birmingham (2 locations)
  • 2018: Dustin and Shannon Beaty, Lavish Boutique and Coffee Bar,Jasper; Lavish Boutique, Cullman
  • 2017: Andrew Pharo, Cahaba Brewing Company,Birmingham
  • 2016: Garlan Gudger Jr., Southern Accents, Cullman
  • 2015: Will Haver, Otey’s Tavern, Mountain Brook
  • 2014: Joe Richburg, J.R.’s Lawnmower Shop, Opp
  • 2013: Dorothy S. McDaniel, Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market, Homewood
  • 2012: Rodney King, Mark’s Mart LLC, Selma and Northport
  • 2011: Sarah Brown and Terry Shea, Wrapsody Inc., Hoover and Auburn
  • 2010: Michael Johnson, Terramé Day Spa and Salon, Huntsville
  • 2009: George Wilder, The Locker Room and TLR Outdoors, Montgomery
  • 2008: Janet Holcomb, The Fitting Touch, Vestavia Hills
  • 2007: Mickey, Michael and John Gee, Pants Store Inc./Taylor Company Inc., Leeds
  • 2005: Gus Pappas, Norton’s Florist Inc., Birmingham
  • 2000: Joy Collins, The Mustard Seed, Demopolis

Bronze:

  • 2023:  Elizabeth Adams, ExVoto, Mountain Brook and Montgomery
  • 2022: Susan Gordon, Susan Gordon Pottery, Homewood
  • 2019:  Dr. Jenny Sobera, Village Dermatology, Mountain Brook, Birmingham and Oneonta
  • 2018:Steven and Jessica Brindley, Brindley’s Family Pharmacy, Albertville
  • 2017: Randy and Sarah Hall, Hall’s RV,Albertville
  • 2016: The Gray family, Peach Park,Clanton
  • 2015: Marco and Elan Morosini, Silvertron Cafe,  Birmingham
  • 2014: Dink and Suzanne Taylor, Fleet Feet Sports in Huntsville
  • 2013: Georgia Ziglar, Ziglar Inc., dba Home Gallery, Home Gallery Dining Furniture and First Impression, Troy
  • 2012: Adam Hazel and the Rev. Tony Cooper, Mission Possible Bargain Centers, Adamsville, Birmingham, Hanceville, Homewood, Jasper and Pinson
  • 2010: Nick Nicholson, MAFIAoZA’s Pizzeria and Neighborhood Pub, Mountain Brook
  • 2009: Stanley Enfinger, Badcock Home Furniture & More, Ozark
  • 2008: June G. Simpson, Harold’s Furniture and Flooring, Andalusia
  • 2007: Michael Ray Jones, Mike’s Merchandise, Guntersville
  • 2005: Tommy Wagner, Wagner’s Tuscaloosa Inc., dba The Athlete’s Foot
  • 2000: Kathy Johnson, VF Factory Outlet, Monroeville

Annual Sales More than $5 Million

Gold:

  • 2024: Matthew and Stephanie Mell, ChurchStreet Family Restaurant and Hospitality Group, Huntsville and Athens
  • 2021: David and Jeff Barranco, Chappy’s Deli, Montgomery (3), Prattville and Auburn
  • 2010: Mark Whitlock, Mark’s Outdoor Sports, Vestavia Hills
  • 2009: Andy and Andrew Brown, Brown Lumber & Building Supply Inc., Columbiana
  • 2007: Steven M. Sandlin, Pay-Less Pharmacy Group, Decatur
  • 2005: Earnest Dean, President, Greenville Cash & Carry, Inc., Andalusia Cash & Carry, Inc. and Luverne Cash & Carry
  • 2000: Jean Wessell Templeton, Wesfam Restaurants, Inc., Huntsville

Silver:

  • 2021: Melissa M. Cross, McAleer’s Office Furniture, Mobile
  • 2010: Eddie Davis, York Drug Inc., York, and The Drug Store Inc., Livingston
  • 2009: Michael Mazer, MAZER DI$COUNT $UPER$TORE, Homewood
  • 2007: Jerry G. Beasley, Beasley Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Ozark
  • 2005: Shane R. Wilks, Craig G. Wilks, Wilks Tire and Battery Service Inc., Albertville
  • 2000: Michael Schmitz, Sr., Rahal Schmitz Buick, Inc., Dothan

Bronze:

  • 2021: Ralph and Rebecca Sorrell, Ritch’s Pharmacy, Mountain Brook
  • 2010: Ann Murray, Carter Drug Co. and Carters Books & Gifts, Selma
  • 2009: Brian Bice, Bice Motors Inc., Alexander City
  • 2007: Bryan K. Owens and John B. Marshall, Unclaimed Baggage Center, Scottsboro
  • 2005: Deke Damson & Bruce Park, Jerry Damson Automotive Group, Huntsville
  • 2000: Michael B. Spiller, Spiller Furniture Stores, Northport

Annual Sales $5 Million to $20 Million

Gold:

Silver:

Bronze:

  • 2023: Tuc, Reese and Jennifer Wilson, Saw’s Inc., Saw’s Juke Joint and Saw’s Soul Kitchen, Homewood, Crestline and Birmingham
  • 2022: Babbie Styslinger, At Home Furnishings, Homewood
  • 2019: Jimmy Wright, Wright’s Market, Opelika
  • 2017: David Oliver, David Oliver Co. LLC, doing business as Dave’s Market, Valley Grande and Thomaston
  • 2016: Mark and Susan Anderson, Eagle Eye Outfitters, Dothan
  • 2015: Shane Spiller, Spiller Furniture and Mattress, 13 locations, 11 in Alabama, Tuscaloosa-based
  • 2014: David and Laura Darby, Darby’s Village Pharmacy Inc., Andalusia
  • 2012: Christopher M. Groom, Mountain High Outfitters, Birmingham, Huntsville and Atlanta, Ga.
  • 2011: Andy Virciglio, Piggly Wiggly Food Stores of Jefferson County Inc., Homewood based
  • 2008: Rhoda Denaburg Link, Levy’s Fine Jewelry, Birmingham

Annual Sales More Than $20 Million

Gold:

  • 2023: Mark McKinnon, McKinnon Toyota and Nissan, Clanton
  • 2022: Brent Barkin, Shoe Station banner of Shoe Carnival, Mobile
  • 2019: Mike and Lee Vinson, Adams Drugs, Montgomery (8), Prattville, Millbrook, Wetumpka and Pine Level
  • 2018: Team at Renfroe’s Market, Montgomery (2) and Dadeville
  • 2017: Ken Hubbard, Western Market in Birmingham, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills; Food Depot in Gardendale; and Village Market in Birmingham
  • 2016: John M. Wilson, Super Foods Supermarkets, Luverne and Greenville
  • 2015: Steve Maddox, Wireless Advantage Communications, 47 locations, 24 in Alabama, Dothan-based
  • 2014: George and Tracy Jones, Century Automotive Group, Huntsville
  • 2013: Jan Clevenger, Belk, Alabaster, Auburn, Birmingham, Cullman, Decatur, Dothan, Florence, Gadsden, Guntersville, Homewood, Huntsville, Jasper, Mobile, Montgomery, Prattville, Selma, Spanish Fort, Trussville and Tuscaloosa
  • 2012: Kendall Lowe Hamilton, Devan Lowe Inc., Fort Payne and Rainbow City
  • 2011: Rodney and Mark Barstein and the Janak Shah Family, Simply Fashion Stores Ltd. Birmingham based
  • 2008: Terry Scott, Factory Connection LLC, Albertville based

Silver:

  • 2019: Jim Whaley, Jim Whaley Tires Inc., Dothan (3), Ozark, Enterprise, Troy and Eufaula
  • 2018: Jay Welborn, B&W Foods Inc., dba Piggly Wiggly, Northport and Tuscaloosa (3)
  • 2017:  Kirk A. Stokes, Stokes Automotive,Clanton
  • 2015: Terry Finley, Books-A-Million, 258 locations, 20 in Alabama, Birmingham-based
  • 2014: Dave Quinn and Joe Blaszczak, Publix Super Markets store in Vestavia Hills
  • 2013: Jeff Rosenthal, Hibbett Sports, Birmingham based
  • 2012: Jan Clevenger, Belk, Alabaster, Auburn, Birmingham, Cullman, Decatur, Dothan, Florence, Gadsden, Guntersville, Homewood, Huntsville, Jasper, Mobile, Montgomery, Prattville, Selma, Spanish Fort, Trussville and Tuscaloosa
  • 2011 (Tie): Scott Crump, Scott Crump Toyota, Jasper; James C. Lee III, Buffalo Rock Co. Inc., Birmingham based
  • 2008: Hoyt Harbin III, Harbin Ford Lincoln Mercury, Scottsboro

Bronze:

  • 2018: Jeff Rosenthal, Hibbett Sports, Birmingham-based with stores in 74 Alabama cities plus 34 other states and online
  • 2015: Matt Meyer, Hiley Cars Huntsville, Huntsville
  • 2014: Ricky Brooks, Express Oil Change and Tire Engineers, Birmingham-based with 216 locations in 13 states
  • 2013: Mark McCutcheon, Golden Flake Snack Foods, Birmingham based
  • 2012: Terry Barkin, Shoe Station, Dothan, Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika, Prattville, Spanish Fort, Tuscaloosa and four other states
  • 2011 (two-way tie):
    • Benny Larussa Sr., Charles Mizerany and Billy Wentz, Jack’s Family Restaurants Inc., Homewood based
    • Bill Wakefield, Wakefield’s and Martin’s Family Clothing, Anniston based
  • 2008: William C. Morris Sr., William Morris Home Fashions Inc. dba La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, Birmingham

Emerging Retailer of the Year

Customers’ Choice Award

Annual Sales Less Than $2 Million

Gold:

  • 2004: Randy Adamy, O’Henry’s Coffee Inc., Birmingham
  • 2003: Robert J. “Bob” Strawn, Elberta Hardware Inc., Elberta
  • 2002: Terry Damsky, United Trophy Co., Birmingham
  • 2001: Yancey Parker, Yancey Parker’s, Enterprise
  • 2000: Jim Barnes, Barnes Nursery, Decatur
  • 1999: Jo and Ken Robertson, Jo’s Hallmark, Montgomery

Silver:

  • 2004: Dee Tipps, a.k.a. Girls Stuff, LLC, Homewood
  • 2003: Dianne and Dennis Wammack, Cameras Brookwood Inc., Birmingham
  • 2002: Wanda McCartney, Wisteria Cottage, Inc., Fort Deposit
  • 2001: Stephen F. Skinner, Specialty Pharmacy, Cullman
  • 2000: Charles A. Spurlin, owner, The Shirt Shop, Tuscaloosa
  • 1999: Everett W. Osborne, Osborne Jewelers, Athens

Bronze:

  • 2004: David Wales, Wales Jewelry Co., Scottsboro
  • 2003: Tracy True Dismukes, Collage, Homewood
  • 2002: Denise Knox, Private Gallery Inc., Fairhope and Daphne
  • 2001: DiDi Henry, owner of Old Alabama Gift Co., LLC, Prattville
  • 2000: Garlan E. Gudger Jr., Southern Accents Architectural Antiques, Cullman
  • 1999: Robert G. Werner, Werner Trading Co., Cullman

Annual Sales $2 Million – $10 Million

Gold:

  • 2004: Charles Smith, Florala Pharmacy, Florala
  • 2003: Stephen M. Bennett, Bennett’s, Athens
  • 2002: Bryan Thomas, Thomas and Son Furniture Co., Rainsville
  • 2001: Claude Kitchin IV, Incredible Kitchin’s, Anniston
  • 1999: Marsha Sprayberry, Kracheroos Inc., Tuscaloosa

Silver:

  • 2004: Denise Knox, Private Gallery, Fairhope
  • 2003: Keith Welch, Western Supermarkets, Birmingham
  • 2002: Dottie and Terry Smith, Edgar’s Bakery, Birmingham
  • 2001: Mark O. Gatewood, president & owner, Alabama Outdoors, Birmingham
  • 1999: Jimmy Dean Smith, Jimmy Smith Jewelers, Decatur

Bronze:

  • 2004: The Huntsville Team, Ivan Allen, Huntsville
  • 2002: Jim Whaley, Jim Whaley’s Tires, Dothan
  • 1999: Ron J. Anders, Anders Bookstore, Auburn

Annual Sales More than $10 Million

Gold:

  • 2004: Lynn Layton, Lynn Layton Chevrolet, Decatur
  • 2003: Devan Lowe, Devan Lowe, Inc., Rainbow City
  • 2002: John Wilson, Big Bear Luverne, dba Super Foods Supermarkets
  • 2001: Joe Thomas Malugen, Movie Gallery, Inc., Dothan

Silver:

  • 2003: Jerre Penney and Tim Roussell, Bill Penney Motor Company, Huntsville
  • 2002: Tracy S. Jones, Century Automotive Group, Huntsville
  • 2001: Terry Scott, Factory Connection, Albertville

Bronze:

  • 2002: John Timothy Gilland, Gilland Mitsubishi, Dothan and Enterprise
  • 2001: John M. Lawson, Milner-Rushing Discount Drugs, Florence
Know an Alabama retailer who deserves recognition? Nominate them for Retailer of the Year.
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