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…
By Richard I. Lehr, Esq. As January ends, there are new laws and regulations that have come into effect on both the national and state levels that retail businesses should be aware of, along with a few trends in employment…
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…
Governor Kay Ivey, on January 22, 2026, signed a proclamation issuing a state of emergency for 19 northern counties ahead of the anticipated wintery and icy forecast for the state. On January 26, 2026, Governor Ivey expanded the state of…
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…
The Alabama Legislature is officially off to the races, with lawmakers reconvening this week and wasting no time filing a wide range of bills – 449 to be exact. As is typical in the opening days of session, proposals span…
As we prepare for the 2026 Alabama Legislative Session, we want to provide an early look at the issues most likely to affect retailers. The session begins January 13, a slightly earlier start due to the 2026 election cycle. With…
With the U.S. Mint no longer producing pennies, retailers across the country may find it increasingly difficult to secure enough 1-cent coins to provide exact change for cash transactions. In areas where supplies are limited, many stores have begun rounding…
Montgomery – Alabama Retail PAC, the Alabama Retail Association’s state political action committee, is proud to announce its endorsements in key judicial races for the 2026 election cycle in Alabama. For the Alabama Supreme Court, Alabama Retail PAC endorses: Place…
OPELIKA, Ala. – The Alabama Retail Association has named Anna Claire and Matthew Stinson, founders of Stinson Breads of Opelika, as the 2025 Emerging Retailer of the Year “Gee Award” winner. Founded in 2019, the small-town bakery has risen from…