Member News: Alabama retailers prepared to ‘do anything to get you to shop locally’

October 14, 2020

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

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!

‘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, 202)

COVID-19 can’t stop this restaurant’s 40-year celebration
(al.com, July 24, 2020) Features Buffalo Phil’s, Member since 1992

>> Buffalo Phil’s celebrates 40 years in business (Tuscaloosa News, July 21, 2020)

A sweet beachbound destination
(WBRC, July 24, 2020) Features SweetCreek Farm Market, Member since 2016

Bernard’s voted Best Men’s Boutique in ‘Bama by Alabama Magazine readers
(Daily Mountain Eagle, July 22, 2020) Member since 1992

Highs and lows reported for annual Sales Tax Holiday
(WSFA, July 21, 2020)

Shop smarter this sales tax holiday weekend
(WBRC, July 17, 2020)

Tax-free weekend big impact on small business
(WSFA, July 16, 2020) Features Storkland / NameDropper, Member since 2014

Pandemic might slow tax-free sales this weekend
(TimesDaily, July 16, 2020) Features Martin’s Family Clothing, Member since 2017

Support local businesses during the tax holiday, urges Prattville business owner
(WSFA, July 16, 2020) Features Myers Business Products, Member since 2008

Alabama’s pre-school sales tax holiday takes on extra significance during pandemic
(AlabamaNewsCenter, July 16, 2020)

Stores preparing for Alabama’s 15th annual tax-free weekend
(WTVY, July 16, 2020)

15th annual sales tax holiday weekend to support small businesses, save money
(WAFF, July 16, 2020)

Savings await back-to-school shoppers
(The Tuscaloosa News, July 15, 2020) Features Effie’s Inc., Member since 1991; and The Locker Room, Member since 1985

Shining Through: Conservative business plan helps Bromberg’s weather economic storms
(Over the Mountain Journal, July 1, 2020) Member since 1992

Alabama Retail Association expects school shopping to look different this year
(WSFA, July 10, 2020)

Alabama Retail Association emphasizes need to shop local during pandemic
(WBRC, June 17, 2020)

The inspiring story behind these heavenly Alabama cakes
(al.com, June 11, 2020) Features Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes Member since 2017

>> Discover one of Alabama’s most famous pound cakes  (This is Alabama, July 10, 2020)

>> Thanks to a 100-year-old pound cake recipe, a booming Birmingham business is born (birminghambusinessalliance.com, June 10, 2020)

>> RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: An interview with April McClung of Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes (alabamaretail.org, Nov. 1, 2019)

Unclaimed Baggage online store is here!
(unclaimedbaggage.com, June 17, 2020) Member since 2016

>> Unclaimed Baggage store for lost luggage goes online (Good Morning America, ABC News, July 3, 2020)

>> Unclaimed Baggage now offering its weirdest finds online (al.com, June 24, 2020)

>> Unclaimed Baggage launches new online store for 50th anniversary (WAFF48, June 18, 2020)

>> Also stories by Business Insider and Travel+Leisure

Alabama tax numbers during first full month of pandemic offer hope, April down 4.5%

(WSFA, June 8, 2020) Features Al’s Flowers, Member since 1995

Tax data continues to show effect of coronavirus shutdown
(al.com, June 8, 2020) Quotes ARA President Rick Brown

Duchess Bakery in Cullman reopening with new ownership
(The Cullman Tribune and The Cullman Times, June 5, 2020) Member since 2002

OHenry’s is ‘Best Coffee Shop in Hoover’
(Hoover Magazine and ohenryscoffees.com, June 1 and June 3, 2020) Member since 1999

Enjoy gourmet popcorn and more at Kernel Kullman
(The Cullman Tribune, June 5, 2020) Member since 2018

Mountain Brook Chamber launches merchant relief fund
(ABC 33/40, May 22, 2020) Features Smith’s Variety, Member since 1995

Retailers adapting through difficult times
(CBS 42, May 19, 2020) Features Wrapsody, Member since 2005, and quotes ARA PR Director Nancy Dennis

Lili Pad children’s store offer masks
(WVTM 13, May 18, 2020) Member since 2013 

Long-time businesses back at work
(WVUA, May 15, 2020) Features Bromberg’s, Member since 1992

Downtown Auburn businesses taking cautious approach to reopening
(The Auburn Villager, May 14, 2020) Features Behind the Glass, Member Since 1996

Wrapsody in Trussville opening soon
(Trussville Tribune, May 13, 2020)  Member since 2005

Alabama restaurants, salons, churches can reopen with limits May 11
(Alabama Newscenter, May 8, 2020) Quotes ARA President Rick Brown

Pandemic restrictions eased on Alabama restaurants to allow dine-in customers
(OBA Community Website, May 8, 2020)  Features Cosmo’s Restaurant and Bar, Luna’s Eat and Drink and BuzzCatz Coffee and Sweets, Members since 2011 and 2016  

More from the Cosmo’s Restaurant Group:  Baldwin County beach restaurants prepare for reopening (WPMI, May 7, 2020)

Tuscaloosa, Northport locals welcome return of retail
(Tuscaloosa News, May 2, 2020) Features The Pants Store, Member since 1992

Unclaimed Baggage is open, and people are loving it
(al.com, May 2, 2020) Member since 2016

‘Like a brand new store opening’: Auburn retailers thankful for reopening
(Opelika-Auburn News, May 1, 2020) Features Wrapsody (Member since 2005) and Behind the Glass

DOWNTOWN ATHENS SHOPS: Customers, retailers excited about reopening
(The News Courier, May 1, 2020) Features Bennett’s Clothing

Huntsville retailers work to safely reopen after COVID-19 shutdown
(Huntsville City Blog, May 1, 2020) Mentions Yellowhammer Brewing (Member since 2015) and quotes ARA Director of Public Relations Nancy Dennis

Retail stores prepare for reopening Friday with new guidelines
(ABC 33/40, April 30, 2020) Features Please Reply (Member since 2013) and The Pants Store (Member since 1992)

Alabama retail tries to rebound after coronavirus shutdown
(Patch, April 30, 2020) Features The Pants Store (Member since 1992), The Lili Pad and Gigi’s (Member since 2013) and ARA President Rick Brown

Restaurant owner: It’s ‘disappointing’ not to be included in ‘Safer at Home’ order
(WSFA, April 30, 2020) Features Midtown Pizza, Member since 2011

How Alabama stores plan to control occupancy restrictions
(al.com, April 30, 2020)

Retail businesses prepare to reopen Thursday
(WSFA, April 29, 2020) Features The Locker Room, Member since 1993

Tuscaloosa retailer has concerns about economic impact if college football season canceled
(CBS 42, April 29, 2020) Features The Shirt Shop, Member since 2018

Retailers, beaches can reopen under new COVID-19 rules; restaurants remain closed
(Alabama Newscenter, April 28, 2020) Quotes ARA President Rick Brown

Small businesses react to new order allowing some to reopen
(WBRC, April 28, 2020) Featuring Shaia’s Member since 1992

Higher-risk businesses will remain closed until May 15
(WHNT, April 28, 2020) Featuring Salon Allure, Member since 2004

Iconic Tuscaloosa restaurant adapts to serve customers during pandemic
(WVUA, April 27, 2020) Featuring Jalapeños Mexican Grill, Member since 2005

Vestavia Hills businesses deal with impact of COVID-19
(Vestavia Voice, April 24, 2020) Featuring The Lili Pad and Gigi’s, Member since 2013; and Leaf and Petal, Member since 2005.

Publix donates 3,960 gallons of milk to Central Alabama Food Bank
(al.com, April 23, 2020) Member since 2003

Want to donate to Feeding America food banks?

Food Bank of North Alabama | Community Food Bank of Central Alabama
Montgomery Area Food Bank | Feeding the Gulf Coast

More about how Publix is helping farmers and food banks:

Absolutely Alabama: The Shirt Shop
(WBRC, April 20, 2020) Member since 2018

‘Kind of Like a Little Hidden Gem’
(Gateway Initiative, April 17, 2020) Features Wolf Bay Restaurant, Member since 2017

Alabama small business task force calls for immediate reopening of some stores, restaurants
(Alabama Newscenter, April 17, 2020) Quotes ARA President Rick Brown

Small businesses optimistic with recommendations to re-open; caution urged
(al.com, April 17, 2020) Features The Pants Store, Member since 1992

At Niki’s West, ‘a drive-thru without a drive-thru window’
(al.com, April 16, 2020) Member since 2014

Back Forty Beer Co. expands to make hand sanitizer
(The Gadsden Times, April 15, 2020) Member since 2019

Other news about Back Forty Beer Co.:

Alabama retailers anticipate May reopening with strict guidelines
(ABC 33/40, April 15, 2020) Features The Pants Store, Member since 1992
And Please Reply, Member since 2013

Alabama Retail Association wants Gov. Ivey to reopen small retail stores
(FOX 10, April 15, 2020) Interview with ARA President Rick Brown

‘Figure Out What Makes Sense’
(Opelika Observer, April 15, 2020) Features The Locker Room, Member since 1993

Unclaimed Baggage began from a social distance connection, 1970s style
(unclaimedbaggage.com, April 14, 2020) Member since 2016

Home Depot gifts nearly 16,000 masks to UAB
(CBS42, April 14, 2020) Member since 2003

ARA says smaller stores should be allowed to reopen
(WSFA-TV video, April 14, 2020) Features George Wilder of The Locker Room in Montgomery and Auburn, Member since 1993

Gudger asking for input from businesses on reopening
(The Cullman Times, April 10, 2020) Features Sen. Garlan Gudger, owner of Alabama Retail Association member Southern Accents Architectural Antiques

Alabama Small Business Commission’s Emergency Task Force forms subcommittee on reopening state’s economy
(The Trussville Tribune, April 9, 2020) ARA’s Rick Brown on task force

As grocers serve essential need, capacity limits and safety measures added
(Alabama Daily News, April 8, 2020) Quotes ARA President Rick Brown

COVID-19 restrictions unfairly choke small business
(Alabama Policy Institute, April 8, 2020) Features Couch’s Jewelers in Anniston, Member since 1992

Moulton’s Red Land Cotton now sews face masks plus sheets, pillowcases and towels
(al.com video, April 8, 2020) Member since 2017

Read about this effort and become a volunteer sewer

Other news about Red Land Cotton:

Inside Yellowhammer Brewing, the Alabama distillery that shifted its entire supply chain to make hand sanitizer for first responders and nonprofits
(NBC News, April 7, 2020) Member since 2015

Donate to hand sanitizer production at Yellowhammer Brewery

Other news about Yellowhammer Brewing:

Bernard’s Store for Men ‘thankful … for reaction … shown for the store’
(Alabama Newscenter, April 7, 2020) Member since 1992

Local businesses ‘shell-shocked,’ ‘but we’ll come back stronger than ever’
(Decatur Daily, March 29, 2020) Features Martin’s Family Clothing, Member since 2011

Publix offering rent relief for businesses in Publix-owned shopping centers
(Alabama News Network, March 28, 2020) Member since 2003

Enterprise mayor asks compliance with governor’s orders
(City of Enterprise, March 28, 2020)

Coronavirus and grocery stores: Why are some products hard to get at Alabama supermarkets?
(Montgomery Advertiser, March 25, 2020) Features Renfroe’s Market, Member since 1997

Montgomery restaurant Cahawba House converts to neighborhood grocery amid coronavirus pandemic
(Montgomery Advertiser, March 25, 2020) Member since 2017

Moran’s Rocky Ridge Hardware donates N95 respirators and dusk masks
(Moran’s Rocky Ridge Hardware, March 22, 2020) Member since 2017

Alabama Retail Association allows retailers to have a collective voice, new chairman says
(Alabama News Center, March 15, 2020) Features Books-A-Million, Member since 1984

Bates House of Turkey celebrates milestone
(WSFA, March 4, 2020) Member since 2009

Bates House of Turkey celebrates 50 years
(Alabama News Network, March 4, 2020) Member since 2009

Iconic Bates marks 50th year
(The Greenville Advocate, March 3, 2020) Member since 2009

Hibbett Sports marks 75 years by giving away a year’s worth of free sneakers to a lucky customer
(Business Alabama, March 3, 2020) Member since 1986

Twenty-five of the state’s best pizza places include Alabama Retail members
(Big 7 Travel, Jan. 16, 2020) Features members Midtown Pizza Kitchen, Mater’s Pizza & Pasta Emporium,  Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza, Tortugas, Bibb Street Pizza Company and Slice Pizza & Brew.

Unclaimed Baggage to mark its 50th anniversary with a 50-state road tour and a truckload of prizes and memories
(PRNewswire, Jan. 8, 2020) Member since 2016

Alabama Retail names officers and directors
(Montgomery Independent, Jan. 3, 2020)

Opelika’s Jimmy Wright recently named to the Alabama Retail Association board of directors
(The Opelika Observer, Dec. 30, 2019) Member since 2006

Books-A-Million names new president
(Birmingham Business Journal, Dec. 27, 2019) Member since 1984

“Shop Local, Eat Local, Play Local,” says Andalusia
(Andalusia Star-News, Nov. 26, 2019)

Holiday shopping starting ahead of Black Friday
(WSFA, Nov. 28, 2019)

Start holidays by shopping local
(Sand Mountain Reporter, Nov. 26, 2019)

Black Friday shopping: The best deals aren’t in box stores, study says
(Montgomery Advertiser, Nov. 26, 2019)

Strengthened online sales tax law bringing new revenue for local cities
(WAFF 48, Nov. 25, 2019)

Bright Star’s Jimmy Koikos dies
(al.com, Nov. 16, 2019) Member since 2012

Holiday spending increases statewide
(Brewton Standard, Nov. 13, 2019)

Alabama holiday shoppers expected to spend more this year than last
(Selma Times-Journal, Nov. 8, 2019)

Shop Alabama for the Holidays kicks off in Florence
(Quad Cities Daily, Nov. 7, 2019)

Alabama retailers predict 3 percent increase in holiday shopping
(al.com, Nov. 6, 2019)

Alabama shoppers expected to spend more than $12.4 billion during holidays
(WZDZ, Nov. 6, 2019)

Tuscaloosa area retailers hoping for sales jump this holiday season
(Tuscaloosa News, Oct. 31, 2019)

Huntsville area businesses participating in Magic Moments Day this Monday
(Rocket City Now, Oct. 17, 2019) Featuring Alabama Retail members Please Reply (Member since 2013), The Pants Store (Member since 1992) and Taco Mama (Member since 2014)

The sweet story of Millie Ray and her famous orange rolls
(al.com, Oct. 18, 2019) Member since 2014

Bright Star’s Jimmy Koikos honored by cancer research charity
(al.com, Oct. 1, 2019) Member since 2012

Home Depot Foundation partners with Home Builders Institute to expand trades training in high schools
(homedepot.com, Sept. 24, 2019) Member since 2003

Wolf Bay Restaurant Bar and Boutique is an Alabama Gulf Coast tradition
(Alabama News Center, Sept. 18, 2019) Member since 2017

Pike County doubles sales tax revenue from online sales
(Troy Messenger, Sept. 14, 2019)

Alabama grocer Wright’s Market embraces technology while maintaining personal service
(Alabama News Center, Sept. 10, 2019) Member since 2006

State Traditions is inspired apparel based in Alabama
(Alabama News Center, Sept. 9, 2019) Member since 2015

Adams Drugs receives statewide recognition as a Retailer of the Year
(Alabama News Network, Sept. 6, 2019) Member since 1993

The Cook Store named an Alabama Retailer of the Year
(The Gourmet Insider, Sept. 3, 2019) Member since 2009

Mountain Brook’s The Cook Store earns spot among 2019 Alabama Retailers of the Year
(Over the Mountain Journal, Sept. 2, 2019) Member since 2009

Publix gives $500,000 to food banks in Alabama
(al.com, Aug. 29, 2019) Member since 2003

Episode of ‘What Would You Do?’ airs featuring Lavish Coffee Bar in Jasper
(Lavish Coffee Bar, Aug. 24, 2019) Member since 2015

J & M Bookstore owner to have duplicate War Eagle Wall painted for fans
(Opelika-Auburn News, Aug. 22, 2019) Member since 1992; also featuring Ware Jewelers, member since 1994.

The Bright Star’s Jimmy Koikos receives award from Jefferson County UA National Alumni Association 
(The Cutoff News, Aug. 21, 2019) Member since 2012

Danny Cottrell: Recession Angel
(Brewton Standard, Aug. 9, 2019) Featuring Brewton Medical Center Pharmacy – Member since 2001

Alabama Retail names Selma business one of Alabama’s top retailers
(Alabama News Network, July 25, 2019)

The Coffee Shoppe named a Retailer of the Year
(Selma Times-Journal, July 25, 2019)

Mountain Brook businesses up for Retailer of the Year
(Village Living, July 24, 2019) Featuring The Cook Store – Member since 2009; and Crestline Bagel – Member since 2016

Diapers among items included in Alabama tax-free weekend
(WSFA, July 16, 2019)

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday starts July 19
(Daily Mountain Eagle, July 16, 2019)

Alabama Sales Tax Holiday coming up
(Alabama News Network, July 15, 2019)

Alabama’s annual sales tax holiday starts Friday
(Tuscaloosa News, July 14, 2019)

UAB Alumni Spotlight: Eric Meyer, owner and founder of Cahaba Brewing
(UAB News, July 1, 2019) Member since 2017

Crestline Bagel Company opens in downtown Birmingham
(al.com, March 11, 2019) Member since 2016

Lavish Boutique and Coffee Bar in Jasper to be on Season 10 of ABC’s ‘What Would You Do?’
(al.com, Feb. 20, 2019) Member since 2015

Tuscaloosa, state holiday sales increased, reports say
(Tuscaloosa News, Feb. 18, 2019) Featuring The Shirt Shop – Member since 2018

Alabama Retail adds four new directors (See Page 9)
(Alabama Retailer, Jan. 30, 2019) Spiller Furniture & Mattress – Member since 1994; Monograms Plus of Cullman – Member since 1999; Midtown Pizza Kitchen – Member since 2011; Hospital Discount Pharmacy – Member since 2013

Sam’s Bar-B-Que reopens on Atlanta Highway
(Montgomery Advertiser, Jan. 28, 2019) Member since Jan. 24. Original join date 1998.)

Peach Park named Chilton Chamber’s Distinguished Business of the Year
(The Clanton Advertiser, Jan. 25, 2019) Member since 2016

Tuscaloosa business owner now serving on Alabama Retail Association board of directors
(WVUA23, Jan. 2, 2019) Spiller Furniture & Mattress – Member since 1994