There’s only one place in Alabama where you can grab a cup of coffee knowing the beans were roasted using renewable solar energy. Birmingham-based OHenry’s Coffees, an Alabama Retail Association member since 1999, has become the first coffee company in…
In its second week, the Alabama Legislature began moving legislation in earnest, including several bills of concern to retailers. Shifting the state’s August sales tax holiday to July could be debated soon in either chamber (HB132 / SB136). A bill…
Legislation authorizing wine and beer tastings inside grocery stores that have off-premises consumption licenses and at least $2 million in total annual sales await consideration by both House and Senate committees. HB134 by Rep. David Faulkner, R-Birmingham, is one of…
MONTGOMERY – From Friday, Feb. 24, to Sunday, Feb. 26, Alabama will observe its sixth annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. The Alabama Retail Association encourages Alabamians to restock emergency supplies in homes, workplaces and vehicles during this three-day tax holiday….
Linda Flaherty’s friends and colleagues describe her as a bridge builder and a great listener. She regularly attends merchant meetings and interacts with other business owners. “Her involvement in the community has made a difference for other people starting out…
The coolers at Capitol’s Rosemont Gardens in Montgomery are packed full of beautiful, fresh blooms, including nearly 3,000 red roses. “Valentine’s Day is definitely a rose holiday,” says Manager Jerry Thrash. “We always run out of red roses.” While Valentine’s Day…
The Alabama Legislature gaveled in its 2017 regular session Tuesday with such weighty issues as prison reform, redistricting and finding money for Medicaid needing attention. More than 350 bills have been introduced so far, including ones calling on retailers to have…
Alabamians spent more than $11.43 billion during the months of November and December 2016, making it the strongest holiday buying season on record for the state. Taxed holiday sales in our state totaled $11,431,561,431.08, a jump of 4.77 percent over 2015 holiday…
Alabama’s political party caucuses this week introduced their legislative agendas for 2017. Alabama Retail is monitoring a Democratic proposal to require unitary combined reporting (SB67) and a Republican bill to make Medicaid fraud a Class C felony (SB85). The combined…
Even though Iyishia Jones started her career in corporate America, fashion has always fueled her. “I was the one who pushed the envelope when it came to the corporate dress code,” Iyishia remembers. “I’d never leave the house without some kind of flair.” Her love…