“My first job in retail, other than stocking shelves in high school, was with Sears, Roebuck and Co. in Chicago,” said Todd Noden, the Alabama Retail Association’s 2020-2021 board chairman. That planning and budget position with one of America’s oldest…
Another key to Metzger’s longevity: Loyal employees selling quality men’s and women’s apparel and furs Brothers Melvin and Leonard Metzger opened what was then known as Metzger Brothers in 1919 inside The Battle House, a still-operating hotel in downtown Mobile….
Lynn Bradakis wanted a special frame for a photo of her 6-month-old daughter, Taylor. When she couldn’t find what she wanted in any store, she designed and made the frame herself. When her friends saw her creation, they asked Lynn…
When April and Lacy McClung’s two sons had the opportunity to be student ambassadors to China and Europe, they didn’t know how they would pay for the trips, so the family held hands as Lacy prayed. April recalls that after…
When Gina and Darrin Swan first laid eyes on a nearly century-old building on downtown Dothan’s South Foster Street, they knew it had to be saved. The three-story brick building, known to locals as the old Carmichael building, had been…
Wright’s Market in Opelika began 46 years ago as a 2,100-square-foot convenience store under a different name and a different owner, but it has always been operated by a Wright. “My dad built the original store for the (previous owner)….
After growing up the daughter of a cotton farmer, Anna Yeager Brakefield’s plans involved anything but returning to the family farm. Upon graduation from Auburn University with a degree in graphic design, she got a job with an advertising agency…
Charlie and Sandra Wrape served 27 dinners on their first day of business. The year was 1973, and they had just opened a restaurant in a former bait shop on the shores of Wolf Bay in the tiny Baldwin County…
In 2012, John McElrath decided it was time to take a leap. He looked at his wife, who was holding their newborn baby, and said, “I think its time for me to quit my job and really do this.” He…
In the third quarter of this year, a 40,000-square-foot grocery store will open in Phenix City. It will be the fourth store bearing the Renfroe family name. “We’ve established a brand, so people know they can go to any of…