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Retail Report: Week 1 Legislative Recap

Retail Report: Week 1 Legislative Recap

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…

2026 Legislative Session Preview

2026 Legislative Session Preview

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…

Diminishing Supply of Pennies Impacts Retailers

Diminishing Supply of Pennies Impacts Retailers

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…

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…

New Laws Impacting Sales Tax Go Into Effect Sept. 1

New Laws Impacting Sales Tax Go Into Effect Sept. 1

Two Alabama laws go into effect September 1 that may impact your sales and tax collection process. Act 2025-305 – Grocery Sales Tax Reduction Reduces the state sales and use tax rate (SSUT) on groceries from 3% to 2% and authorizes local…