In 2017, the Alabama Retail Association recognized six Alabama companies that have been in business in our state for 100 or more years. All six were honored during Retail Day on Oct. 17 and featured in the November issue of Alabama Retailer.
From Newstand to Mega Bookseller, the First 100 Years of Books-A-Million: Books-A-Million’s roots go back to 1917, when 14-year-old Clyde W. Anderson opened a newsstand to provide newspapers to construction workers who traveled to Florence to build the Wilson Dam. Now, there are four Anderson Companies: Books-A-Million, TNT Fireworks, Anderson Media and Anderson Press. Member since 1984
Read cover story on Books-A-Million and its CEO in the July 2016 Alabama Retailer
>> Read Centennial Retailer news release on BAM
>> Watch video
Chris’ Hot Dogs: Making History for 100 Years: Christopher Anastasios “Chris” Katechis immigrated to the United States from Greece and opened his hot dog business on May 1, 1917. One hundred years later, Chris’ Hot Dogs remains in its original location – 138 Dexter Avenue in downtown Montgomery. Member since 2004
>> Read cover story on Chris’ in the February 2017 Alabama Retailer
>> Read Centennial Retailer news release on Chris’ Hot Dogs
>> Watch video
For 100 Years, McCurry Furniture Has Been Putting Customers First: In 1917, dairy farmer Andrew Jackson McCurry and his good friend C.V. Hoover opened a furniture store at 2221 Second Avenue North in Birmingham. McCurry Furniture, a third-generation family owned and operated furniture store in Warrior, celebrates 100 years in business throughout November. Member since 2009
Read Alabama Retailer article
>> Read Centennial Retailer news release
>> Watch video
Edwards Chevrolet Marks 101 Years: After four years selling Fords and with a savings of $6,000, William Sterling Edwards Jr. opened a Chevrolet dealership on Aug. 5, 1916, on Birmingham’s bustling 21st Street. Edwards Chevrolet now is a third-generation dealership with a flagship store at 1400 3rd Ave. N. and a second location on U.S. 280 East. Read more. Watch video.
Ousler Sandwiches: A Birmingham Tradition for 102 Years: For generations, many in the Birmingham area and beyond have chosen Ousler Sandwiches for their parties, graduations, weddings and funerals. While the location has changed several times since its founding in 1915, nothing much else has. The same chicken salad, pimento cheese, cream cheese and olive, ham salad, ham and cheese and egg salad finger sandwiches are on the menu, fixed the same way, using the same recipes. Read more. Watch video.
Always a Pharmacy, Fairhope Business Evolves Over 113 Years: “You go to the corner where Fairhope Pharmacy is and you take a left, or a right, or go straight.” That is how people give directions in downtown Fairhope, said Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce President Casey Williams. In the early years, Fairhope Pharmacy only filled prescriptions. There were doctors’ offices upstairs. Later, sundries and a soda fountain were added. Now, it is a pharmacy and a gift shop. Read more. Watch video.
These businesses were featured on Pages 14-17 of the November 2017 Alabama Retailer