Birmingham, AL – The Alabama Retail Association has honored six retail businesses across eight cities as part of its 2024 Retailer of the Year awards program. These businesses, employing 181 individuals across nine locations, were recognized for their contributions to the retail industry and their communities. The Retailer of the Year awards, presented annually since 1999, celebrate excellence in various sales categories and highlight emerging retailers.
2024 Retailers of the Year:
- Annual Sales Less than $1 Million:
Dawne Douthit and Jessica Douthit Clark, the mother-daughter duo behind Epiphany Boutiques in Athens and Madison, received recognition for their achievements. They were nominated by Pammie Jimmar, president of the Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce. - Annual Sales $1 Million to $5 Million:
The Kessler family – Linda, Larry, Nick, and Joel – owners of Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in Spanish Fort, took home the award in this category. They were nominated by Casey Williams, president and CEO of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. - Annual Sales More than $5 Million:
Matthew and Stephanie Mell, owners of ChurchStreet Family Restaurant and Hospitality Group in Huntsville and Athens, were honored for their thriving business. They were nominated by Ashley Engles-Ross of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber and Pammie Jimmar of the Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce.
Emerging Retailers of the Year:
Two emerging businesses, both operating for less than five years, were also recognized:
- David and Leah Knight, owners of Bandwagon in Homewood and Vestavia Hills, were selected as Emerging Retailers of the Year. They were nominated by Shay Gartman, executive director of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce.
- Alex Pikul, owner of Kind Cafe in Fairhope, received the same honor. He was nominated by Casey Williams of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce.
Customers’ Choice Award:
- Wills Creek Clothing in Attalla, owned by Paige Ledbetter and Leigh Anne Kelley, was voted the Customers’ Choice Award winner. The business was nominated by Christie Robinson, president of the Etowah Chamber of Commerce, and Jonathan Vo, marketing and events manager.
Rick Brown, president of the Alabama Retail Association, emphasized the importance of the award recipients, stating, “Each retailer honored is a credit to their community and the retail industry.”
The Alabama Retail Association continues to represent the state’s retail businesses, advocating for their interests in policy discussions and providing education and support for industry growth. Since 1943, the association has been a key player in promoting Alabama’s retail sector.
