Media Releases

Retail Report: Week 5 Legislative Recap

Retail Report: Week 5 Legislative Recap

The fifth week of the 2026 Legislative Session brought steady movement in both committee rooms and on the chamber floors, with several bills of interest to retailers advancing in the process. Legislation Pulled Following SSUT Lawsuit Withdrawal, New Distribution Bill…

Retail Report: Week 4 Legislative Recap

Retail Report: Week 4 Legislative Recap

While this legislative week may have felt a bit like Groundhog Day, with fewer bills directly impacting retailers, the Legislature continues to move at a steady pace. Below is a summary of the key measures Alabama Retail Association is tracking as…

Retail Report: Week 3 Legislative Recap

Retail Report: Week 3 Legislative Recap

Despite a weekend of severe weather across much of the state, the Legislature was back to work this week. This week’s Capitol Retail Report highlights several measures with potential impacts for retailers, ranging from franchise protections and alcohol regulation to…

Retail Report: Week 2 Legislative Recap

Retail Report: Week 2 Legislative Recap

Despite cold temperatures across Alabama, activity inside the State House is just heating up. The 2026 Regular Session continues to move quickly with lawmakers meeting three days a week to take floor votes while committees dig into the large volume…

Melissa Cross Named Chairman of ARA Board of Directors

Melissa Cross Named Chairman of ARA Board of Directors

The Alabama Retail Association (ARA) is pleased to announce that Melissa Cross has been named Chairman of the ARA Board of Directors. She assumed the role in October 2025, succeeding Michael Gee, and brings extensive leadership experience and a strong…

Hissyfits Boutique Named Alabama Retailer of the Year

Hissyfits Boutique Named Alabama Retailer of the Year

DOTHAN, Ala. – The Alabama Retail Association (ARA) is proud to announce that Amie Wiley, owner of Hissyfits Boutique in Dothan, has been named the 2025 Alabama Retailer of the Year. The ARA presented the award to store manager Taylor…