Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
2 Birmingham businesses recognized as Alabama Retailer of the Year
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The owners of Alabama Peanut Co. and Alabama Outdoors were recognized as Retailers of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association (ARA) on Thursday, Oct. 16.
Each year, the ARA chooses businesses that display “excellence in innovation, business growth and contributions to the community” for the award.
The association was founded by retailers in 1943 who felt they needed representation during decisions on public policy, according to the ARA website. Today, there are 4,300 members with around 6,000 locations across the state.
This year, the honorees were Alabama Peanut Co. owner Jaime Thursby and Alabama Outdoors president Eric Ferrell. They join a group of some of the strongest businesses in the state that have been recognized since 1999 by the ARA.
About Alabama Peanut Co.
Alabama Peanut Co. operates two locations — one in Birmingham on Morris Avenue and the other in Tuscaloosa — where they serve craft beers and classic sodas in addition to their famous boiled peanuts.
They’ve been roasting since 1907, making it the oldest peanut shop in the U.S.
“A special thanks to the [Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama] for nominating us and for their continued support of local businesses like ours. And to our amazing employees at both shops — your hard work, passion, and dedication are the heart of Alabama Peanut Co. This award is a reflection of all that you do.”
Alabama Peanut Co., Facebook post, Oct. 16
About Alabama Outdoors
Alabama Outdoors is a larger business that operates five locations across the state. Cities with storefronts are:
- Birmingham
- Homewood
- Florence
- Mobile
They were founded in 1975 as a “pioneer in outdoor specialty retail in Alabama” that has evolved into a stylish, high-quality lifestyle brand, the Alabama Outdoors website says.
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