Nominate a Retailer of the Year

RETAILER OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS DUE APRIL 12, 2024
Nominate retailers from your community

The Alabama Retail Association recognizes outstanding retailers from throughout our state. The Retailer of the Year Awards recognize deserving Alabama retailers who have demonstrated a blend of sound and innovative business practices with a commitment to their communities, customers and employees. The award program, which began in 1999, took a hiatus in 2006 and 2020.

Our 2023 winners (pictured) sell a wide range of products – children’s clothing, women’s fashion and accessories, art and framing, jewelry, gifts, outdoor power equipment, tractors, barbecue, automobiles, upscale men’s clothing, seasonal decor and more. The retail industry provides the foundation for Alabama’s economy, employing 1 in 4 Alabamians in the private sector. Retailers not only provide jobs, but also strengthen, support and invest in their communities.

We hope you will take a future opportunity to showcase outstanding retailers in your community by making nominations for the Retailer of the Year Awards. Previous nominees who have never attained “gold” status can be nominated again.

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AWARDS IN FOUR CATEGORIES OF SALES
The retail industry is made up of such a varied group of businesses, one or more winners may be selected in each category based on annual sales volume:

  • less than $1 million
  • $1 million to $5 million
  • $5 million to $20 million
  • More than $20 million

An independent selection committee selects winners. The selection committee is made up of representatives from chambers of commerce, developers, fellow retailers and representatives from the academic community. Winning retailers will be recognized through statewide news releases and presentations in their communities. Winners will be notified of details as details are finalized.

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR A RETAILER TO BE NOMINATED?
Retailers may be nominated by anyone, including their local chamber of commerce, another retailer, developer or employee. Nominated retailers must have a physical presence in the operation and/or management of a retail business in Alabama and have been in business for a minimum of five years. To be considered a retailer, the business must collect state and local sales taxes. (Banks, insurance agencies and dry cleaners do not qualify.) Once we receive a nomination, an entry form will be sent to the nominated retailer asking for more detailed information about the retailer’s accomplishments over the past year and any contributions to the community where the retail business is located. This information will serve as the basis for judging by the selection committee. Gold winners from any previous year are not eligible for nomination. (Review previous winners before making a nomination.) However, Silver and Bronze winners can be nominated in subsequent years. Previous nominees who did not receive an award also may be nominated again.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMERGING RETAILER AWARD
In honor of former Alabama Retail Vice Chairman Mickey Gee, who died in the spring of 2012, Alabama Retail created the Gee Emerging Retailer of the Year Award. It goes to an innovative and effective Alabama retailer who has been in business for at least two years, but less than five years. The Emerging Retailer award will be presented in years when the Retailer of the Year judges feel there is a candidate worthy of the Gee name. To nominate someone as an emerging retailer, complete a Retailer of the Year nomination form and indicate that the nominee should be considered for the Gee Emerging Retailer of the Year award.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS?
Nominations are due by Friday, April 12, 2024.