Retailers of the Year Since 1999 | Alabama Retail Association

The Retailer of the Year awards took a hiatus in 2006 and 2020; annual sales categories were changed in 2000, 2005 and 2008; the Emerging Retailer category was added in 2012; and the Customers’ Choice Award was added in 2015.

2005, 2007-2019, 2021-2023

Annual Sales Less Than $1 Million

Gold:

2023 (Tie):
- Melissa Sides Anderson, Toodlebugs, Athens
- Sarah Jane Levine, Lily Jane Boutique, Auburn
2022: Chad and Kendra Wester, Boll Weevil Soap Company, Enterprise
2021: April McClung, Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes, Homewood
2019: Jacqueline T. Smith, The Coffee Shoppe, Selma
2018: Lisette Normann, The Fairhope Store
2017: Annie Damsky, Villager Yoga, Mountain Brook
2016: Linda Flaherty, Once upon a time, Mountain Brook and Homewood
2015: Anna Marie Heard, Jireh’s Boutique and Gifts, Gadsden (and Customers’ Choice Award)
2014: Marco and Elan Morosini, Silvertron Cafe, Birmingham
2013: Stacie Money, Fringe, Opelika and Auburn
2012: Michelle McGough and Paula Lecher, Salon Allure, Inc., Huntsville
2011: Linda Parker, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Vestavia Hills
2010: Jean Clayton, Christine’s Inc., Mountain Brook
2009: Tim Jennings and Michael Dyer, The Monkey’s Uncle and Monkey Tails Baby Emporium, Leeds
2008: Thad and Jennifer Hodges, Red Mountain Market, Birmingham
2007: Shawn Beitelspacher, Southern Sole, Tuscaloosa
2005: Clayton Sherrod, Chef Clayton’s Food Systems Inc., Birmingham

Silver:

2023: Ann C. Welch, Nunnally’s Noble Frame & Gallery, Anniston
2022: Tena King, King’s Olive Oil Company, Gadsden
2021: Adena Green, Hope’s Chest Boutique & Gifts, Clanton
2019: Wesley Lassen, The Cook Store, Mountain Brook
2018: Theo and Costas “Gus” Katechis, Chris’ Famous Hot Dogs, Montgomery
2017 (three-way tie):
- Komeh Davis, CakEffect, Homewood
- Katie Smith, Please Reply LLC, Mountain Brook
- Ralph and Annette Harris, Rumors Deli, Cullman
2016: Marguerite Ray, Marguerite’s Conceits, Mountain Brook
2015: Chet Chappelle, Rountree Outdoors, Selma
2014: Jan Jacks, Dreamcakes Bakery, Birmingham
2013: Marco and Elan Morosini, Silvertron Cafe, Birmingham
2012: Jake Reiss, The Alabama Booksmith, Homewood
2011: Doris Butler Truax, Truax & Co., Selma
2010: Carol and Stephen Brooks, Carol Brooks Home & Holiday Shoppe, Prattville
2009: George Jones Jr., Snoozy’s Kids Inc., Mountain Brook
2008: Homer G. Brown, BumperNets Inc., Hoover
2007: Anne A. Appleby, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Gift Shop, Foley
2005 (Tie): Kaleidoscope Inc., dba Think Toys, Anniston; Wilson W. McManus II, DVM, Valley Animal Hospital & Pet Resort SE, PC, Huntsville

Bronze:

2022: Kristal Bryant, K & J’s Elegant Pastries, Birmingham
2021: Dewey and Annette Todd, Todd Farms, Headland
2019 (Tie):
- Mary Beth Greene, mb greene llc, Fairhope
- Kase y Hope, P’zazz Art Studio, Prattville
2018: Annette Harris, Rumors Deli Inc., Cullman
2016: Lisa Jackman, What’s Popp’N Gourmet Popcorn, Huntsville
2015: Ann Messer and Tommy Glasscock, MorLyn’s Fine Jewelry, Clanton
2014: Carla Hamilton, Four Corners Gallery, Birmingham
2013: Managers and employees, Leaf & Petal, Mountain Brook
2012: Leon Rosato, Gilchrist Soda Fountain, Mountain Brook
2011: Pam Hope, Love McGehee and Kathy Penton, Southern Crossing, Opelika
2010: Homer and Adam Brown, BumperNets Inc., Hoover
2009: Justin Edwards, Scott Dean and Hal Craig, Momma Goldberg’s Deli, Homewood and Inverness
2008: Dimitri G. Polizos, Capitol Grill Inc., Montgomery
2007: Montez Oudenaarden, My Favorite Things, Monroeville
2005: Pat Adamson, Pat’s Petals Garden Center, Ozark

Annual Sales $1 Million – $5 Million

Gold:

2023: Bryson Kessler, Clover + Bee, Vestavia Hills
2022: Amy Jason, Cookie Fix, Homewood, Cahaba Heights and Huntsville
2021: Sherry Hartley and Beth Staula, Alabama Goods, Homewood and Huntsville
2019: Brian Kane and Jim Foley, Fairhope Brewing Co.
2018: George R. Wilder, The Locker Room, Montgomery and Auburn
2017: Jodie and Karen Stanfield, Local Joe’s, Rainbow City and Alexandria
2016: Jheovanny Gomez, Jalapeños Mexican Restaurants, Tuscaloosa, Northport and Cottondale
2015: James McAleer and Melissa McAleer Cross, McAleer’s Office Furniture, Mobile
2014: Carole Griffin, Continental Bakery and Chez Lulu in Mountain Brook and Continental Bakery Downtown in Birmingham
2013: Van Sykes, Bob Sykes Bar B Q Restaurant, Bessemer
2012: Jay Klos, Grogran Jewelers, Huntsville and Florence
2011: Terry Chapman, Business Electronics Corp., Homewood
2010 (Tie): Janet Holcomb, The Fitting Touch, Birmingham; Jimmy Ray Smith, Jimmy Smith Jewelers, Decatur
2009: Leo, J.L. and Ken Shaia, Shaia’s of Homewood
2008: Katherine McRee and Susan Day, The Lili Pad/GiGi’s, Vestavia Hills
2007: Jo Ellen Jordan, Cook & Sons Ace Hardware Inc., Albertville
2005: David Carrington, RacingUSA.com, Pelham

Silver:

2023: Sid, Shea, Brian and Gina Schroll, The Name Dropper/Storkland, Montgomery
2022: Bill E. Stitt, BILL-E’s and BILL-E’s SMALL BATCH BACON, Fairhope
2021 (Tie):
- Patrick, Will and Tyler Younghouse, Papa Dubi’s Cajun Kitchen, Albertville
- Steve and Alisa Ascik, Eastern Shore Ace Hardware, Spanish Fort
2019: Jim Moeller, New York Butcher Shoppe, Birmingham (2 locations)
2018: Dustin and Shannon Beaty, Lavish Boutique and Coffee Bar, Jasper; Lavish Boutique, Cullman
2017: Andrew Pharo, Cahaba Brewing Company, Birmingham
2016: Garlan Gudger Jr., Southern Accents, Cullman
2015: Will Haver, Otey’s Tavern, Mountain Brook
2014: Joe Richburg, J.R.’s Lawnmower Shop, Opp
2013: Dorothy S. McDaniel, Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market, Homewood
2012: Rodney King, Mark’s Mart LLC, Selma and Northport
2011: Sarah Brown and Terry Shea, Wrapsody Inc., Hoover and Auburn
2010: Michael Johnson, Terramé Day Spa and Salon, Huntsville
2009: George Wilder, The Locker Room and TLR Outdoors, Montgomery
2008: Janet Holcomb, The Fitting Touch, Vestavia Hills
2007: Mickey, Michael and John Gee, Pants Store Inc./Taylor Company Inc., Leeds
2005: Gus Pappas, Norton’s Florist Inc., Birmingham

Bronze:

2023: Elizabeth Adams, ExVoto, Mountain Brook and Montgomery
2022: Susan Gordon, Susan Gordon Pottery, Homewood
2019: Dr. Je nny Sobera, Village Dermatology, Mountain Brook, Birmingham and Oneonta
2018: Steven and Jessica Brindley, Brindley’s Family Pharmacy, Albertville
2017: Randy and Sarah Hall, Hall’s RV, Albertville
2016: The Gray family, Peach Park, Clanton
2015: Marco and Elan Morosini, Silvertron Cafe, Birmingham
2014: Dink and Suzanne Taylor, Fleet Feet Sports in Huntsville
2013: Georgia Ziglar, Ziglar Inc., dba Home Gallery, Home Gallery Dining Furniture and First Impression, Troy
2012: Adam Hazel and the Rev. Tony Cooper, Mission Possible Bargain Centers, Adamsville, Birmingham, Hanceville, Homewood, Jasper and Pinson
2010: Nick Nicholson, MAFIAoZA’s Pizzeria and Neighborhood Pub, Mountain Brook
2009: Stanley Enfinger, Badcock Home Furniture & More, Ozark
2008: June G. Simpson, Harold’s Furniture and Flooring, Andalusia
2007: Michael Ray Jones, Mike’s Merchandise, Guntersville
2005: Tommy Wagner, Wagner’s Tuscaloosa Inc., dba The Athlete’s Foot

2000, 2005, 2007 – 2010, 2021

Annual Sales More Than $5 Million

Gold:

2021: David and Jeff Barranco, Chappy’s Deli, Montgomery (3), Prattville and Auburn
2010: Mark Whitlock, Mark’s Outdoor Sports, Vestavia Hills
2009: Andy and Andrew Brown, Brown Lumber & Building Supply Inc., Columbiana
2007: Steven M. Sandlin, Pay-Less Pharmacy Group, Decatur
2005: Earnest Dean, President, Greenville Cash & Carry, Inc., Andalusia Cash & Carry, Inc. and Luverne Cash & Carry
2000: Jean Wessell Templeton, Wesfam Restaurants, Inc., Huntsville

Silver:

2021: Melissa M. Cross, McAleer’s Office Furniture, Mobile
2010: Eddie Davis, York Drug Inc., York, and The Drug Store Inc., Livingston
2009: Michael Mazer, MAZER DI$COUNT $UPER$TORE, Homewood
2007: Jerry G. Beasley, Beasley Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Ozark
2005: Shane R. Wilks, Craig G. Wilks, Wilks Tire and Battery Service Inc., Albertville
2000: Michael Schmitz, Sr., Rahal Schmitz Buick, Inc., Dothan

Bronze:

2021: Ralph and Rebecca Sorrell, Ritch’s Pharmacy, Mountain Brook
2010: Ann Murray, Carter Drug Co. and Carters Books & Gifts, Selma
2009: Brian Bice, Bice Motors Inc., Alexander City
2007: Bryan K. Owens and John B. Marshall, Unclaimed Baggage Center, Scottsboro
2005: Deke Damson & Bruce Park, Jerry Damson Automotive Group, Huntsville
2000: Michael B. Spiller, Spiller Furniture Stores, Northport

2008 and 2011-2019. 2022-2023

Annual Sales $5 Million to $20 Million

Gold:

2023: Christie Howell, Wrapsody, Hoover, Auburn, Trussville and Homewood
2022: Ashley McMakin, Ashley Mac’s, five Birmingham locations
2019: Jamie Pursell, Leaf & Petal, Vestavia Hills (2), Mountain Brook and Birmingham
2018: Ashley Gill, Chick-fil-A Northport
2017: The Original Oyster House Team, Original Oyster House Restaurants and Trading Co., Gulf Shores and Mobile Causeway
2016: Bryan Owens and Mike Elkins, Unclaimed Baggage Center, Scottsboro
2015: Betsy McAtee and the management team, Dreamland Holding Co. LLC, Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Northport and Tuscaloosa, Ala., as well as Norcross and Roswell, Ga.
2014: Frederick W. “Ricky” Bromberg, Bromberg & Co. Inc., Birmingham and Mountain Brook
2013: Lucy Buffett, Lulu’s, Gulf Shores
2012: P.V. “Greg” and David Gregerson, Gregerson’s Foods Inc., Gadsden and Piedmont
2011: Denise Knox, Private Gallery Inc., Fairhope based
2008: Mark Whitlock, Mark’s Outdoor Sports Inc., Birmingham

Silver:

2023: Gregg and Ben Wood, JBT Power, Daphne and Semmes
2022: Joe and Kelli Richburg, J.R.’s Lawnmower Shop, Opp
2019: David Dawoud, Domino’s Pizza, Vestavia Hills (2), Fultondale, Gardendale, Dora, Hueytown, Fairfield, Oxford and Anniston
2018 (two-way tie):
- Charlene Haber, Wolf Bay Restaurant, Bar & Boutique, Foley and Orange Beach
- Brian and Jodi Harsany, Cobalt The Restaurant, Orange Beach
2017: David and Andrea Snyder, Urban Cookhouse, Homewood, The Summit, Birmingham and Tuscaloosa
2016: George W. Skipper III, Tacky Jacks, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan
2015: Todd and Sonya Jackson, CKJ Eatteries, LLC (Newk’s), six Birmingham area locations, Hoover-based
2014: Betsy McAtee and the management team, Dreamland Holding Co. LLC, Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Northport and Tuscaloosa, Ala., as well as Norcross and Roswell, Ga.
2013: Managers and associates, Western Supermarket in Mountain Brook
2012: Michael and John Gee, Pants Store, Birmingham, Leeds, Mountain Brook, Trussville and Tuscaloosa
2011: Stuart Shevin and the management team, Standard Furniture Co., Birmingham based
2008: Raymond, David and Michael Cohen, Cohen’s Electronics and Appliances, Montgomery

Bronze:

2023: Tuc, Reese and Jennifer Wilson, Saw’s Inc., Saw’s Juke Joint and Saw’s Soul Kitchen, Homewood, Crestline and Birmingham
2022: Babbie Styslinger, At Home Furnishings, Homewood
2019: Jimmy Wright, Wright’s Market, Opelika
2017: David Oliver, David Oliver Co. LLC, doing business as Dave’s Market, Valley Grande and Thomaston
2016: Mark and Susan Anderson, Eagle Eye Outfitters, Dothan
2015: Shane Spiller, Spiller Furniture and Mattress, 13 locations, 11 in Alabama, Tuscaloosa-based
2014: David and Laura Darby, Darby’s Village Pharmacy Inc., Andalusia
2012: Christopher M. Groom, Mountain High Outfitters, Birmingham, Huntsville and Atlanta, Ga.
2011: Andy Virciglio, Piggly Wiggly Food Stores of Jefferson County Inc., Homewood based
2008: Rhoda Denaburg Link, Levy’s Fine Jewelry, Birmingham

Annual Sales More Than $20 Million

2008, 2011-2019, 2022-2023

Gold:

2023: Mark McKinnon, McKinnon Toyota and Nissan, Clanton
2022: Brent Barkin, Shoe Station banner of Shoe Carnival, Mobile
2019: Mike and Lee Vinson, Adams Drugs, Montgomery (8), Prattville, Millbrook, Wetumpka and Pine Level
2018: Team at Renfroe’s Market, Montgomery (2) and Dadeville
2017: Ken Hubbard, Western Market in Birmingham, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills; Food Depot in Gardendale; and Village Market in Birmingham
2016: John M. Wilson, Super Foods Supermarkets, Luverne and Greenville
2015: Steve Maddox, Wireless Advantage Communications, 47 locations, 24 in Alabama, Dothan-based
2014: George and Tracy Jones, Century Automotive Group, Huntsville
2013: Jan Clevenger, Belk, Alabaster, Auburn, Birmingham, Cullman, Decatur, Dothan, Florence, Gadsden, Guntersville, Homewood, Huntsville, Jasper, Mobile, Montgomery, Prattville, Selma, Spanish Fort, Trussville and Tuscaloosa
2012: Kendall Lowe Hamilton, Devan Lowe Inc., Fort Payne and Rainbow City
2011: Rodney and Mark Barstein and the Janak Shah Family, Simply Fashion Stores Ltd. Birmingham based
2008: Terry Scott, Factory Connection LLC, Albertville based

Silver:

2019: Jim Whaley, Jim Whaley Tires Inc., Dothan (3), Ozark, Enterprise, Troy and Eufaula
2018: Jay Welborn, B&W Foods Inc., dba Piggly Wiggly, Northport and Tuscaloosa (3)
2017: Kirk A. Stokes, Stokes Automotive, Clanton
2015: Terry Finley, Books-A-Million, 258 locations, 20 in Alabama, Birmingham-based
2014: Dave Quinn and Joe Blaszczak, Publix Super Markets store in Vestavia Hills
2013: Jeff Rosenthal, Hibbett Sports, Birmingham based
2012: Jan Clevenger, Belk, Alabaster, Auburn, Birmingham, Cullman, Decatur, Dothan, Florence, Gadsden, Guntersville, Homewood, Huntsville, Jasper, Mobile, Montgomery, Prattville, Selma, Spanish Fort, Trussville and Tuscaloosa
2011 (Tie): Scott Crump, Scott Crump Toyota, Jasper; James C. Lee III, Buffalo Rock Co. Inc., Birmingham based
2008: Hoyt Harbin III, Harbin Ford Lincoln Mercury, Scottsboro

Bronze:

2018: Jeff Rosenthal, Hibbett Sports, Birmingham-based with stores in 74 Alabama cities plus 34 other states and online
2015: Matt Meyer, Hiley Cars Huntsville, Huntsville
2014: Ricky Brooks, Express Oil Change and Tire Engineers, Birmingham-based with 216 locations in 13 states
2013: Mark McCutcheon, Golden Flake Snack Foods, Birmingham based
2012: Terry Barkin, Shoe Station, Dothan, Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika, Prattville, Spanish Fort, Tuscaloosa and four other states
2011 (two-way tie):
- Benny Larussa Sr., Charles Mizerany and Billy Wentz, Jack’s Family Restaurants Inc., Homewood based
- Bill Wakefield, Wakefield’s and Martin’s Family Clothing, Anniston based
2008: William C. Morris Sr., William Morris Home Fashions Inc. dba La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, Birmingham

2012 – 2023

Emerging Retailer of the Year

2023: Aisha Taylor, Bridge + Root, Birmingham
2022: Jaclyn Robinson, Mo’Bay Beignet Co., Mobile (2), Auburn, Orange Beach, Tuscaloosa, Saraland
2021: Ashley Morrow, Joseph “Skip” Nichols and Josh Kelley, The Shoppes at Coldwater, Tuscumbia
2019: John “Jay” G. Newman II and Matt Tietz, Ugo Convenience Delivery, Tuscaloosa
2018: Zebbie Carney, Eugene’s Hot Chicken, restaurant and food truck, Birmingham
2017: Ryan and Geri-Martha O’Hara, Big Spoon Creamery, a cart, a truck and a store, Birmingham
2016:
- Annual Sales Less Than $1 Million: Avery Ainsworth, Fleet Feet Sports Montgomery
- Annual Sales More Than $1 Million: Andy Harp, Gadsden-based Frios Gourmet Pops, 30 stores by 2017, 16 in Alabama, presence in 24 states
2015: Jim Watkins, Steel City Pops, nine locations, six in Alabama, Homewood-based
2014: Mike LeCroix, The Orchard Apple Specialist, Gulf Shores
2013: Jen Barnett, Freshfully, Birmingham
2012: David and Andrea Snyder, Urban Cookhouse, Homewood and Birmingham

2015-2021

Customers’ Choice Award

2023: David and Jennifer Smith, David Christopher’s Inc., Sheffield
2022: Rodney and Melissa “Missy” Baker, Rustique Relics, Clanton
2021: Crystal Peavy, Southern Gyp Boutique, Bay Minette
2019: Jenna Powell, Jennaration Boutique Inc., Northport, Tuscaloosa and Birmingham;
2018: Dustin and Shannon Beaty, Lavish Boutique and Coffee Bar, Jasper (and Silver Annual Sales $1 Million to $5 Million)
2017: Courtney Thompson and Meagan Richardson, Nellie Mae Boutique, Tuscumbia
2016: Megan Smalley, Scarlet & Gold, Auburn
2015: Anna Marie Heard, Jireh’s Boutique and Gifts, Gadsden (and Gold Annual Sales Less Than $1M)

1999-2000 and 2001-2004

Annual Sales Less Than $2 Million

Gold:

2004: Randy Adamy, O’Henry’s Coffee Inc., Birmingham
2003: Robert J. “Bob” Strawn, Elberta Hardware Inc., Elberta
2002: Terry Damsky, United Trophy Co., Birmingham
2001: Yancey Parker, Yancey Parker’s, Enterprise
2000: Jim Barnes, Barnes Nursery, Decatur
1999: Jo and Ken Robertson, Jo’s Hallmark, Montgomery

Silver:

2004: Dee Tipps, a.k.a. Girls Stuff, LLC, Homewood
2003: Dianne and Dennis Wammack, Cameras Brookwood Inc., Birmingham
2002: Wanda McCartney, Wisteria Cottage, Inc., Fort Deposit
2001: Stephen F. Skinner, Specialty Pharmacy, Cullman
2000: Charles A. Spurlin, owner, The Shirt Shop, Tuscaloosa
1999: Everett W. Osborne, Osborne Jewelers, Athens

Bronze:

2004: David Wales, Wales Jewelry Co., Scottsboro
2003: Tracy True Dismukes, Collage, Homewood
2002: Denise Knox, Private Gallery Inc., Fairhope and Daphne
2001: DiDi Henry, owner of Old Alabama Gift Co., LLC, Prattville
2000: Garlan E. Gudger Jr., Southern Accents Architectural Antiques, Cullman
1999: Robert G. Werner, Werner Trading Co., Cullman

1999 and 2001-2004

Annual Sales $2 Million – $10 Million

Gold:

2004: Charles Smith, Florala Pharmacy, Florala
2003: Stephen M. Bennett, Bennett’s, Athens
2002: Bryan Thomas, Thomas and Son Furniture Co., Rainsville
2001: Claude Kitchin IV, Incredible Kitchin’s, Anniston
1999: Marsha Sprayberry, Kracheroos Inc., Tuscaloosa

Silver:

2004: Denise Knox, Private Gallery, Fairhope
2003: Keith Welch, Western Supermarkets, Birmingham
2002: Dottie and Terry Smith, Edgar’s Bakery, Birmingham
2001: Mark O. Gatewood, president & owner, Alabama Outdoors, Birmingham
1999: Jimmy Dean Smith, Jimmy Smith Jewelers, Decatur

Bronze:

2004: The Huntsville Team, Ivan Allen, Huntsville
2002: Jim Whaley, Jim Whaley’s Tires, Dothan
1999: Ron J. Anders, Anders Bookstore, Auburn

Annual Sales More Than $10 Million

Gold:

2004: Lynn Layton, Lynn Layton Chevrolet, Decatur
2003: Devan Lowe, Devan Lowe, Inc., Rainbow City
2002: John Wilson, Big Bear Luverne, dba Super Foods Supermarkets
2001: Joe Thomas Malugen, Movie Gallery, Inc., Dothan

Silver:

2003: Jerre Penney and Tim Roussell, Bill Penney Motor Company, Huntsville
2002: Tracy S. Jones, Century Automotive Group, Huntsville
2001: Terry Scott, Factory Connection, Albertville

Bronze:

2002: John Timothy Gilland, Gilland Mitsubishi, Dothan and Enterprise
2001: John M. Lawson, Milner-Rushing Discount Drugs, Florence

2000

Annual Sales $2 Million – $5 Million

Gold: Gene Poole, Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers, Tuscaloosa
Silver: Joy Collins, The Mustard Seed, Demopolis
Bronze: Kathy Johnson, VF Factory Outlet, Monroeville