Member News: Supply chain issues mean shoppers are already buying for the holidays, Storkland and Name Dropper owner says

October 18, 2021

Retailers stocked with holiday merchandise as shoppers hit stores early this year
(WSFA, Oct. 18, 2021) Featuring Storkland and Namedropper, Member since 2014

When Alabama Retail or its members make the news, we’ll link the articles below. Email Nancy Dennis when your store makes the news and we’ll share it!

Honor for Ritch’s Pharmacy
(Village Living, Oct. 22, 2021)

Alabama Retail Association expects another big holiday season
(CBS 42, Oct. 21, 2021) Featuring Shaia’s, Member since 

Retailers/shipping services urge early holiday shopping
(Alabama News Network, Oct. 20, 2021)

‘Made in Alabama’ Showcase includes Dean’s Cake House
(Made in Alabama, Oct. 6, 2021)  Member since 2020

Alabama Retail Association honors 2021 Retailers of the Year
(Alabama Political Reporter, Oct. 6, 2021)

‘Tremendous Honor’: Ritch’s Pharmacy presented Retailer of the Year Award
(Over the Mountain Journal, Oct. 5, 2021)

Sorrell College professor demonstrates successful business practices for students with statewide award
(Troy Today, Sept. 30, 2021) Featuring Todd Farms, Member since 2015

Tuscumbia business named 2021 Emerging Retailer of the Year
(WHNT News 19, Sept. 29, 2021)

Papa Dubi’s wins Retailer of the Year
(Sand Mountain Reporter, Sept. 28, 2021)

Hope’s Chest receives Silver Retailer of the Year Award
(The Clanton Advertiser, Sept. 28, 2021)

Made in Alabama: Homewood Businesses Among Statewide Retailers of the Year
(Over the Mountain Journal, Sept. 21, 2021) Features Alabama Goods, Member since 2013; Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes, Member since 2017

Chappy’s Deli earns statewide Retailer of the Year award
(Opelika Observer, Sept. 15, 2021)

Chappy’s Deli named Alabama’s 2021 Gold Retailer of the Year
(QSR, Sept. 15, 2021)

Retailers trying to bounce back from pandemic
(WSFA, Sept. 13, 2021)

Surprise! Chappy’s Deli wins top Alabama Retailer of the Year award
(Montgomery Advertiser, Sept. 13, 2021)

Niffer’s Place celebrates 30 years of being a go-to spot for Auburn fans – and waits to name a burger after Coach Harsin
(Opelika-Auburn News, Sept. 2, 2021) Member since 2005

Will mandates increase after FDA approval of Pfizer vaccine?
(WBRC, Aug. 23, 2021)

Opp florist nominated for statewide business award
(Andalusia Star-News, Aug. 12, 2021) Features one of the 49 Alabama Retailer of the Year entrants

Greg Gregerson earns Alabama Grocers Association’s Spirit of Alabama award
(Gadsden Times, Aug. 11, 2021) Member since 1976

Cullman City Council greenlights Sunday alcohol sales
(WIAT, July 29, 2021) Features 412 Public House, Member since 2019

Jimmy Wright honored with NGA’s Great American Award
(National Grocers Association, July 27, 2021) Featuring Wright’s Market, Member since 2006

Alabama retail experts speak on free tax weekend as economy rebounds
(News19, July 19, 2021)

Alabama retailers anticipate more shoppers this back-to-school sales tax holiday
(Alabama NewsCenter, July 16, 2021)

Alabama back-to-school sales tax holiday running Friday through Sunday
(Yellowhammer, July 16, 2021)

How to get the most savings out of back-to-school tax free weekend
(WBRC, July 15, 2021)

What you need to know about the back-to-school tax-free weekend in Alabama, starting July 16
(Bham Now, July 15, 2021)

Alabama’ s back to school sales tax holiday is this weekend
(Anniston Star, The Daily Home, St. Clair Times, July 15, 2021)

Alabama stores prepare for tax-free weekend
(WIAT, CBS42, July 14, 2021) Featuring the Pants Store, Member since 1992

School supplies sales tax holiday begins Friday
(Decatur Daily, July 14, 2021) Featuring Martin’s Family Clothing, Member since 2017

Clothes, school supplies, diapers, electronics among items in Alabama’s sales tax holiday
(WSFA, July 14, 2021)

School supplies tax free this weekend
(WAAY31, July 14, 2021)

Back-to-school tax-free weekend in Alabama
(WBRC, July 13, 2021)

Tax free weekend set for July 16-18
(TimesDaily, July 11, 2021)

Entertainment district in the works for downtown Enterprise
(WTVY, July 7, 2021) Featuring Corks and Cattle, Sixtel Bottle and Growler House and Café RomaSchool sales tax holiday July 16-18
(The Cullman Times, July 6, 2021)

School sales tax holiday is July 16-18
(The Cullman Times, July 6, 2021)

Cocktails to go were a lifeline to many during the pandemic. now, their future is uncertain
(Beverage Industry Enthusiast, June 28, 2021) Featuring Moe’s Original BBQ, Member since

Alabamians shopping more in 2021; sales tax is ‘off the chart’
(WSFA and WTVY, June 10, 2021)

Spring 2021 state sales tax collections up dramatically over last year
(Alabama Political Reporter, June 10, 2021; WZDX Fox, June 14, 2021)

Alabama’s hot economy: Taxed sales up almost 41% over last year
(al.com, June 9, 2021)

Church Street Wine Shoppe celebrates relocation with Australian wine debut
(Huntsville Business Journal,  June 4, 2021) Member since 2014

Summer Fund and Food Drive benefitting Montgomery Area Food Bank is Friday, June 4, at Renfroe’s Market
(WSFA video, June 2, 2021) Member since 1997

Vestavia businesses nominated for Retailer of the Year award
(Vestavia Voice, May 24, 2021)

Bud Skinner’s passing leaves giant hole in Cloverdale dining, nightlife scene
(Montgomery Advertiser, May 19, 2021) Member since 1993; Bud Skinner, Alabama Retail Comp trustee since 1997

“Bud” Skinner, owner and executive chef at Jubilee Seafood, dies at age 65 (Montgomery Advertiser, April 28, 2021)

Alabama consumers adjust to CDC’s newest mask guidance
(ABC 33/40, May 17, 2021) Featuring The Pants Store, Member since 1992

Campbell Hardware celebrates 75th anniversary
(Gulf Coast News Today, May 4, 2021) Member since 1995

Downtown Dining at Huntsville’s Big Oh’s
(We Are Huntsville, May 4, 2021) Member since 2019

Five Alabama Historically Black Colleges and Universities among 30 schools receiving Retool Your School grants from Home Depot
(Home Depot, April 15, 2021) Member since 2003

Eagle Eye Outfitters in Dothan sets in-store mask policy
(Eagle Eye Outfitters, April 2, 2021) Member since May 2020

The Lili Pad in Vestavia Hills bouncing back from shut down last Easter
(WVTM13, April 1, 2021) Member since 2013 

Sikes and Jack n’ Jill opening new location
(Homewood Star, March 24, 2021) Member since 1995

A lesson in resilience, Terramé Salon, Day Spa & Blow Dry Bar opens in Madison
(Huntsville Business Journal, March 15, 2021) Member since 2003

Montgomery businesses reflect on year since the pandemic’s start
(WSFA, March 11, 2021) Featuring Jubilee Seafood, Member since 1993

Publix to open first Pike Road store
(Montgomery Advertiser, March 10, 2021) Member since 2003

Gadsden resident Peter Gregerson writes book on The Golden Rule
(The Gadsden Times, March 8, 2021) Featuring Gregerson Foods, Member since 1976

‘I hope I make it’: 7-year-old Alabama girl selling lemonade to fund her own brain surgeries
(WIAT, CBS42, Feb. 26, 2021) Featuring Savage’s Bakery, Member since 2016

Alabamians encouraged to buy emergency goods through severe-weather tax holiday
(Alabama Public Radio, Feb. 26, 2021)

9 CVS stores in rural Alabama to begin offering COVID-19 shots
(Alabama Daily News, Feb. 25, 2021) Featuring CVS Caremark Corp., Member since 2003

Alabamians spent big in December as holiday spending shatters records
(Montgomery Advertiser, Feb. 25, 2021)

Alabama holiday sales increased almost 12% over 2019
(WTVY, Feb. 25, 2021)

In spite of pandemic, Alabama’s holiday sales up almost 12 percent
(al.com, Feb. 24, 2021)

Severe weather sales tax holiday one week away
(Opelika Observer, Feb. 24, 2021)

Severe weather sales tax holiday this weekend
(Sand Mountain Reporter, Feb. 23, 2021)

2021 severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday
(WAFF 48, Feb. 20, 2020)

Alabama Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
(WKRG, Feb. 18, 2020)

Sweet Grown Alabama receives grant to track which locally grown products most popular among grocery stores
(Yellowhammer, Feb. 17, 2021) Featuring Piggly Wiggly Birmingham Group, Member since 2003, and Renfroe’s Market, Member since 1997

What 3 Alabama pharmacies learned offering the COVID vaccine
(al.com, Jan. 18, 2021) Featuring Semmes Pharmacy, Member since 2011

Alabama retail sales break records in November
(WSFA, Jan. 10, 2021)

Eagle Eye’s Susan Anderson elected to Alabama Retail Association board
(Dothan Eagle, Dec. 29, 2020) Member since May 2020

Mountain Brook Chamber’s Incoming President Ricky Bromberg looks to a brighter 2021
(Village Living, Dec. 27, 2020) Featuring Bromberg’s, Member since 1992

Coronavirus relief bill could be lifeline for struggling Alabama retailers
(WIAT, Dec. 24, 2020)

Last-minute shopping amid pandemic
(WAAY-31, Dec. 24, 2020)

‘We are doing very well’: Some small businesses find success despite pandemic
(WSFA, Dec. 10, 2020) Featuring Pepper Tree Steaks ‘n’ Wines, Member since 2002

Online shopping crucial to local retailers during holiday season clouded by COVID-19
(The Tuscaloosa News, Nov. 28, 2020)

Shopping moves online well ahead of Cyber Monday deals
(The Gadsden Times, Nov. 28, 2020)

Cyber Monday: Online sales dominate 2020. Here’s why that may not change in 2021
(Montgomery Advertiser, Nov. 27, 2020)

Alabama retailers looking for holiday sales boost
(WAFF, Nov. 27, 2020)

Holiday shopping impact on small businesses and communities
(WAFF, Nov. 27, 2020)

Montgomery’s small businesses pin hopes on service, good will
(Montgomery Advertiser, Nov. 26, 2020) Featuring Cohen’s Electronics and Appliances, Member since 1983; The NameDropper, Member since 2014; and The Locker Room, Member since 1993

COVID changing the Black Friday business strategy
(Decatur Daily, Nov. 25, 2020) Featuring Martin’s Family Clothing, Member since 2017; and Cricket by the Creek, Member since 2008

Local, state retailers predict strong, safe holiday sales despite coronavirus threat
(The Tuscaloosa News, Nov. 25, 2020) Featuring Hudson Poole Fine Jewelers, Member since 2017

Safer online: Alabama adapts to a different Black Friday
(al.com, Nov. 25, 2020)

Interview with Alabama Retail Association: COVID-19 and Alabama’s holiday shopping season
(Alabama Public Radio, Nov. 24, 2020)

Retailers adjust Black Friday, holiday shopping during turbulent year
(The Gadsden Times, Nov. 24, 2020) Featuring Martin’s Family Clothing, Member since 2017

Chuck’s Fish in Tuscaloosa to offer free Thanksgiving meal to-go
(The Tuscaloosa News, Nov. 22, 2020) Member since 2016

Macy’s flagship store honors essential workers with holiday window displays
(WSFA, Nov. 22, 2020) Member since 2003

Holiday Pop-Up Shoppe returns to The Shoppes at EastChase
(WSFA, Nov. 22, 2020) Featuring Bailey Brothers Music, Member since 1990 and Bates House of Turkey, Member since 2009

Retailers may dodge COVID bullet this holiday season
(The Anniston Star, Nov. 21, 2020) Featuring Wakefield’s, Member since 2017; and Lucy’s Toys, Member since 1995

Shopping Small and the State of Retail in Alabama (Alabama Retail Association presentation to Calhoun County Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, Nov. 19, 2020)

Webinar You Tube video | In Tune with Calhoun Podcast

Volunteers gather at Wakefield’s to give away Thanksgiving turkeys in Anniston
(The Anniston Star, Nov. 21, 2020) Member since 2017

Alabama retailers expect to hold steady or gain in holiday
(Associated Press, Nov. 21, 2020)

Alabama Retail Association expects Alabama sales to meet or exceed 2019’s spending
(WTVY, Nov. 20, 2020)

Golden Rule Bar-B-Q in Hoover changes name, leaves franchise for first time since 1974
(WIAT/CBS42, Nov. 19, 2020) Member since 2010

>> Former Hoover Golden Rule location changes name to Archie’s Bar-B-Q and Burgers
(al.com, Nov. 19, 2020)

Despite rise in COVID-19 cases, business leaders want to avoid shutdown
(WIAT/CBS42, Nov. 19, 2020) Featuring Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown

Downtown Huntsville ‘speakeasy’ oozes subterranean style
(al.com, Nov. 19, 2020) Featuring Catacomb 435, Member since October 2020

Alabama’s Cahawba House restaurant features fresh produce, local traditions
(Alabama Living via Alabama NewsCenter, Nov. 18, 2020) Member since 2017

Jim Massey’s Cleaners acquires Save-A-Tripp, expands delivery
(Montgomery Advertiser, Nov. 16, 2020) Jim Massey Cleaners, Member since 2017; and Save-A-Tripp, Member since 1995

R&R Cigars to open Northport location later this month
(Tide1009.com, Nov. 16, 2020) Member since 2019

Andy’s Music Inc. in Mobile and Bailey Brothers Music Co.  in Montgomery among the 2020 Top 100 Dealers
(National Association of Music Merchants, Nov. 13, 2020) Andy’s Music, Member since 2010; Bailey Brothers Music, Member since 1990

Fourth-generation retailer Brooks & Collier is taking off with Huntsville
(Alabama NewsCenter, Nov. 11, 2020) Member since 2013

>> Brooks & Collier Christmas 2020 (Brooks & Collier video, Nov. 10, 2020)
>> An interview with Greg and Foster Brooks of Brooks & Collier (alabamaretail.org, Oct. 28, 2020)

Fifth Piggly Wiggly grocery store to open in Tuscaloosa area
(The Tuscaloosa News, Nov. 11, 2020) Member since 1998

Small businesses look to recover this holiday season
(WSFA, Nov. 11, 2020) Featuring NameDropper, Member since 2014

Alabama retailers hoping for busy holiday shopping season after challenging year
(WIAT, Nov. 11, 2020)

Talking turkey and begging your pardon in Alabama
(Alabama NewsCenter, Nov. 10, 2020) Featuring Bates House of Turkey, Member since 2009

MORE BATES HOUSE OF TURKEY NEWS:

>> ‘It’s the year to support small business,’ Bates House of Turkey owner says (Alabama Daily News, Nov. 9, 2020)
>> Governor pardons turkeys in time-honored Alabama tradition (Alabama News Network, Nov. 9, 2020)
>> Not Just for Thanksgiving: Bates House of Turkey celebrates 50 years of success (alabamaretail.org, Nov. 1, 2020)

Alabama holiday sales predicted to meet or slightly exceed 2019’s $13.25 billion
(Alabama NewsCenter, Nov. 8, 2020)

Lowe’s Home Improvement plans $61 million Alabama distribution hub
(Made in Alabama, Nov. 6, 2020) Member since 2003

Alabama lifts COVID-19 occupancy limits on businesses
(WSFA, Nov. 5, 2020) Includes Alabama Retail Association statement

Alabama extends mask order into holiday season, eases restrictions on retailers and restaurants
(Alabama NewsCenter, Nov. 5, 2020) Includes Alabama Retail Association statement

Shoppers and retailers in the holiday shopping season swing
(ABC 33/40, Nov. 4, 2020) Featuring Snoozy’s Kids, Member since 1994

Secretaries of State Partner with Anheuser-Busch, PayPal, and others to provide hand sanitizer at polling places
(Alabama Secretary of State, Oct. 30, 2020) Featuring Anheuser-Busch, Member since 2009

Alabama Retail Day: Retailers will ‘do almost anything … to get you … to shop locally’
(WBRC, Oct. 13, 2020) Featuring Snoozy’s Kids, Member since 1994

‘Alabama Retail Day’ kicks off holiday shopping
(WZDX, Oct. 13, 2020)

Holiday shopping season has begun; Gov. Ivey declares Alabama Retail Day
(WTVY-Dothan, Oct. 13, 2020) Based on Alabama Retail Association release

Consumers to shop safe and early for Holiday 2020; Alabama sales to meet or slightly exceed 2019’s $13.25B
(alabamretail.org, Oct. 13, 2020)

Home Depot stores Birmingham, Oxford prepare cleaning kits for hurricane victims
(WBRC, Oct. 9, 2020) Member since 2003

A new shopping holiday in 2020
(Eagle Eye Outfitters, Oct. 8, 2020) Member since May 2020

Retail never stopped hiring during the pandemic, Alabama Retail says
(WBMA, Sept. 24, 2020) Interview with Alabama Retail Association

Holiday hiring season has already begun
(WBRC, Sept. 23, 2020) Interview with Alabama Retail Association

The little Alabama deli where everybody knows your name
(al.com, Sept. 22, 2020) Featuring Scott Street Deli, Member since 2016

‘We’re all like family’: Cowart Drugs holds 100th anniversary celebration
(Shelby County Reporter, Sept. 15, 2020) Member since 1993

Cowart Drugs in Calera turns 100 (WIAT, CBS 42, Sept. 17, 2020)
Calera drug store celebrates 100 years in business (WTVM13, Sept. 13, 2020)

Liability protection battle waged in states and Congress
(Home Furnishings Association, Sept. 9, 2020) Featuring Jacob Shevin of Standard Furniture Co., Member since 1989

Mike Wilson, founder of Saw’s BBQ, dies
(WIAT, CBS 42, Sept. 7, 2020) Member since 2009

A tribute to Mike Wilson, founder of SAW’s BBQ + Birmingham food legend (Bham Now, Sept. 9, 2020)
Founder of Saw’s BBQ, famed pitmaster Mike Wilson dies (Birmingham Business Journal, Sept. 8, 2020)
Mike Wilson, legendary Saw’s BBQ founder and pitmaster, dies (al.com, Sept. 7, 2020)

Unclaimed Baggage Center inducted into the Alabama Tourism Hall of Fame
(alabamaretail.org, Aug. 23, 2020) Member since 2016

>> UBC makes list of suggested road trip stops in every state (Country Living, Aug. 4, 2020)

Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes shares its ‘sweet’ success story with millions on QVC, HSN on Aug. 19
(Alabama NewsCenter, Aug. 18, 2020) Member since 2017

>> Watch Small Business Spotlight video of owner April McClung (hsn.com)
>> View two of April McClung’s four appearances  – QVC | HSN (DropBox links)
>> Learn more about the Small Business Spotlight (hsn.com)
>> Sweet success of Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes in Birmingham featured on QVC (WIAT, Aug. 19, 2020
>> QVC features owner of Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes for Small Business Spotlight (al.com, Aug. 19, 2020)
>> Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes featured nationally as part of Qurate series (Birmingham Business Journal, Aug. 20, 2020)
>> Project CommUNITY: Sweet success at Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes (WVTM, Aug. 20, 2020)>>

Businesses ordering early ahead of holiday shopping season due to pandemic
(ABC 33/40, Aug. 17, 2020) Features Snoozy’s Kids, Member since 1994

Yellowhammer Brewing is 4,929th on the Inc. 5000 list
(Huntsville Business Journal, Aug. 13, 2020  / Birmingham Business Journal, Aug. 12, 2020) Member since 2015

Small businesses faring better than chain stores as sales economy rebounds, retail group says
(Alabama Political Reporter, Aug. 13, 2020)

Alabama sales tax revenue up 6 percent in 2020, despite coronavirus
(al.com, Aug. 12, 2020)

Alabama tax revenue growth helps local governments during pandemic
(WSFA, Aug. 12, 2020)