ALABAMARETAIL.ORG FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE 1 VOL 17

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT IYISHIA JONES OWNER/DESIGNER, ISHI

PAYROLL MAKING HISTORY AUDIT SEASON Premium Theo and Gus Katechis administrator OWNERS OF CHRIS’ HOT DOGS offers advice for a smooth audit

MEMBER BENEFITS Shop Alabama Q&A: Make use of the How you can Employment Law join the movement Resource Center From the President February Contents Old or New, February 2017 Issue 1 Vol 17

Retail is Publisher Better Together RICK BROWN 4 16 Editor EASTER JOY SALES TAX HOLIDAY NANCY KING DENNIS Within the pages of this Giving back South Alabama issue of Alabama Retailer, Design to community hardware store COPPERWING DESIGN we celebrate old and new. delights baby promotes Cover Photo Bromberg & Co. Inc. is stores’ owner preparedness BRANDON ROBBINS less than 20 years from turning 200. Meanwhile, 6 13 its current chief executive continues to provide leadership for his community. Go to Page 13 to see the recognition he 8 Shop Alabama Q&A Member News 2016-2017 Officers 2016-2017 Officers MEMBER HIGHLIGHT received for being a top CEO in his city. 7 14 Fashion flair fuels Chairman In May, Chris’ Hot Dogs turns 100 (Pages 10-12). Theo and Chairman Tuscaloosa, a New Members FREDRICK W. “RICKY” KEN HUBBARD expansion to three Gus Katechis’ customers don’t want them to change shopping destination BROMBERG Western Market, Birmingham Alabama cities 18 anything about the downtown Montgomery institution or its Bromberg & Co. Inc., Birmingham 10 Socially Speaking secret sauce. Trustees Vice Chairman DARRELL BOURNE Making History: Two other retail stories told here began a mere 20 years JACOB SHEVIN Ragland Brothers Retail Cos. Inc., Huntsville Theo and Gus Standard Furniture, Alabama and Tennessee ago. A grandmother designs nursery décor and sells CAREY ROME Katechis children’s apparel in Mountain Brook and Homewood President Cypress Resources, Birmingham (Page 4). This spring, customers will hop by her store for RICK BROWN Montgomery JIMMY RAY SMITH an Easter Egg hunt she founded. And Tuscaloosa is lucky Jimmy Smith Jewelers, Decatur to have an advocate for local retailing who also operates a Vice President BUD SKINNER Alabama Retailer of the Year and contemporary ladies boutique (Page 7). ALISON SCOTT WINGATE HOSP Jubilee Seafood, Montgomery We welcome the new members on Pages 14 and 15. Montgomery GEORGE WILDER Centennial Retailer nominations due May 15 Owner Michelle Reeder (Page 15) bakes the dog treats Treasurer The Locker Room, Montgomery and Auburn she sells at The Barkery. Her brand new business also BOB AKERS Davis Direct, Montgomery PHILLIP WEAVER The Alabama location must have been in operation for a minimum of offers doggie daycare, boarding, professional grooming Buffalo Phil’s, Tuscaloosa Retail Association five years. To be considered a retail operation, a business and training. Executive Committee Designee will accept must collect state and local sales taxes. TODD NODEN Fund Administrator One of our newest members, ISHI? started in Florida and RICK BROWN nominations for Books-A-Million, Birmingham-based Nominate your favorite retailer at alabamaretail.org/ now has three stores in Alabama (Page 8). Montgomery the 2017 Alabama Immediate Past Chairman retaileroftheyearnomination/ Retailer of the Year Before you know it, spring will arrive and with it the severe GEORGE WILDER Fund Manager The Locker Room, Montgomery and Auburn MARK YOUNG and the Alabama Centennial Retailer awards through Retail businesses that began in 1917 or before weather season. The owners of Consolidated Ace, who Montgomery Monday, May 15. are eligible to be recognized as Alabama operate two Alabama and four Florida stores, offer some Centennial Retailers. Retailers nominated advice on how to prepare on Page 17. Alabama Retailer is the official publication of the Alabama Retail Association, Now in its 18th year, the Alabama Retailer of the Year 7265 Halcyon Summit Drive, Montgomery, Alabama 36117-3502. Telephone will be contacted and asked to provide a (334) 263-5757; FAX (334) 262-3991. awards recognize outstanding retailers who have Less than a year old or almost 200, retail is better together. brief history and other information about Alabama Retailer is published three times a year. Views and conclusions expressed demonstrated a blend of sound business practices in articles herein are those of the authors, not necessarily those of the editors or their business. officers of the Alabama Retail Association. Opinions expressed in this magazine do with commitment to their communities, customers not necessarily reflect the policies of the Alabama Retail Association. and employees. Help us recognize a retailer that has been in business ADVERTISING: Inquiries should be directed to the Alabama Retail Association. Rates for 100 years or more by filling out the form at will be furnished on request. The Alabama Retail Association reserves the right Nominees must own, operate or manage a retail business to omit any advertising or editorial copy deemed to be unsuitable for publication. alabamaretail.org/centennialretailernomination/ RICK BROWN, Publisher and President Publication herein does not necessarily imply endorsement of any product or with a physical presence in Alabama and that Alabama service offered. Postmaster: Send address changes to Alabama Retail, P.O. Box 240669, 2 Alabama Retailer February 2017 Montgomery, Alabama 36124-0669. February 2017 alabamaretail.org 3 EASTER JOY inda Flaherty’s friends and colleagues describe her Linda started the business with a partner, but after a as a bridge builder and a great listener. year, the two decided to go separate ways as distinct, but L complimentary Mountain Brook businesses. She opened She regularly attends merchant meetings and her second location in Homewood in 2009. Today, she ‘Thankful for the Opportunity interacts with other business owners. “Her involvement in operates the two Birmingham area stores with her husband, the community has made a difference for other people Joe, who assists with the financial reports and taxes. Linda’s starting out in business,” said Suzan Doidge, executive to Give Back,’ Award-Winning two daughters, stay-at-home moms of young children, director of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. serve as her sounding board for new ideas for the business. The business owner also founded and organizes the Retailer Says “I’m a grandmother, so I buy as a grandmother would Crestline Village’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, which Suzan dress her grandchildren,” said Linda, “but I also listen to my calls “a huge community event.” This spring, for the seventh associates and daughters, who offer the young mother’s consecutive year, Linda, other merchants and volunteers perspective. We try to maintain a balance. We’re traditional ONCE UPON A TIME OWNER USES HER TALENTS TO SERVE will stuff more than 3,000 plastic eggs with candy, scatter and stay true to our belief in classic, timeless children’s CUSTOMERS, CONTRIBUTE TO COMMUNITY the eggs in a nearby green space and then watch as clothing, but also are aware of and stay current with the community children delight in filling their baskets with Story by Nancy King Dennis. Photo by Melissa Johnson Warnke. trends.” The store’s brand the multi-colored eggs. focuses on the “Southern To start the event, the member baby,” she said. Easter Bunny arrives on since the Mountain Brook Fire 2007 Linda attributes her Department ladder truck. stores’ success to The oversized, fluffy white paying attention to her rabbit lingers after the customers. “We listen to hunt to pose for pictures our customers and get with the children on a their feedback,” she said. picturesque bench. “The customers become our friends. We help first- “It gives me great joy time parents prepare to see so many of for a life they’ve never our customers and Shop the Once upon a time stores at 201 Country Club Park in Mountain Brook and 2900 18th experienced before.” their young children Street South in Homewood. Visit online at onceuponatimebaby.com participating in this event, It is a labor of love. “I love and I am thankful for the opportunity to personally give buying for the store,” she said. “I love moving everything back,” says Linda, co-owner of the Once upon a time stores around and making it new again.” in Mountain Brook and Homewood. Suzan with the Mountain Brook chamber emphasizes, “This A grandmother of seven, Linda began designing baby linens is not a hobby for Linda. She has really great ideas. She’s as a business venture more than a decade before she had always ready to try new things.” her first grandchild. Some of those “new things” caught the attention of the “I discovered my passion for the retail industry when my Retailer of the Year judges. “Once upon a time shows sisters and I got together one weekend and created the amazing adaptation to reach their target market – mothers nursery of my youngest sister’s dreams,” said Linda. “I and grandmothers – by utilizing video on social media,” the started out as a little cottage industry doing nursery décor, judges said. Weekly videos feature the store’s associates making custom linens in my home. In less than two years, and are posted and promoted on Facebook and Instagram. we had a retail space.” In the past year, Once upon a time also launched an online store that includes a baby registry. In November of 2016, the original Once upon a time store in the Crestline Village of Mountain Brook celebrated 20 years “Throughout the years, I have had the privilege of creating in business. Just the month before, Linda and Once upon a nurseries and outfitting precious little ones,” Linda said. Linda Flaherty is the owner of time earned the title of Alabama’s Gold Retailer of the Year What’s next? Expanding Once upon a time’s footprint in the Once upon a time, nursery décor in the Annual Sales Less Than $1 Million category. state and the Southeast, said the award-winning retailer. and children’s attire stores in Mountain Brook and Homewood. Learn more at alabamaretail.org/news/onceuponatime/

4 Alabama Retailer February 2017 February 2017 alabamaretail.org 5 Q&A #ShopAlabama with Melissa Warnke, ARA Communications and Engagement Manager is a Movement

What is Shop Alabama? Use the opportunity to explain why shopping local matters to you. Maybe your child’s Little League team is sponsored We all spend money on clothes, food and leisure. The Shop by the store you’re in, or maybe your friend owns the store. Alabama campaign, launched in 2016 by the Alabama Retail Whatever the reason, we want Alabamians to feel proud to Association, encourages Alabamians to keep those dollars in shop local. When their friends do, they will too! Tuscaloosa is a Retail Destination, state by promoting local retailers and the contributions they make to their communities. The message How can my store promote is simple – when you Shop Alabama, highlight Shop Alabama? Boutique Owner Says you’re not only supporting your friends and When you Shop Does your store have a marquee or window neighbors who own small businesses, you’re Story by Melissa Johnson Warnke. Photos by Amy Materson. where you post news or specials? Use that also strengthening your local economy and Alabama, you’re not only space to share the Shop Alabama message. investing in the vibrancy of your city. supporting your friends Nestled in the historic district of member Retail Association’s campaign to encourage Al’s Flowers in Montgomery, for example, downtown Tuscaloosa, Effie’s Inc. since local holiday shopping, Why is Shop Alabama important? and neighbors who own used his marquee to explain to passers-by 1991 has been bringing fashion-forward small businesses, you’re how the newly paved road out front was Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, Tuscaloosa Online sales continue to grow faster than in- looks to Tuscaloosa shoppers funded. “The Internet Did Not Pave Carter chamber representatives and Alabama store brick and mortar sales. While ordering also strengthening your since 1990. The contemporary Hill Road. Shop Local,” it read. In addition, Secretary of Labor Fitzgerald Washington everything you need online and having ladies boutique caters to all ages and lifestyles, local economy and Alabama Retail has Shop Alabama signs joined ARA members and staff to spread it arrive at your doorstep sounds great, carrying a wide variety of clothing, jewelry, investing in the vibrancy we’d love to give you! These 12X18 inch the message about the benefits of keeping imagine the long-term impact that will have accessories and shoes. signs are perfect to display in your window shopping dollars local. on Alabama and its retail community. Not of your city. or at the register. We encourage you to use Terry Davis, who’s owned the store for the past only could we lose the shops, restaurants “I believe in supporting local retailers,” said Terry, the signs for pictures. Have employees or 20 years, says she loves the opportunity to do and businesses that make our cities special adding that local business owners are the ones customers pose with the signs and post to social media business in Tuscaloosa. and unique, we also could lessen the local tax dollars who give back to charities, support local schools using the #ShopAlabama hashtag. collected, which support vital services and infrastructure. “It is such a unique city – it feels like a small and employ those who live in the community. Alabama’s retailers are the backbone of our communities; town but with great diversity, thanks to the What’s next for Shop Alabama? Terry employs 14 at her store and is most proud “I believe in they reinvest their time and money back into other local University (of Alabama). The rebuild after The Shop Alabama campaign has just begun. It’s our hope of their reputation for dedicated, one-on-one supporting local businesses and causes. Shop Alabama builds support for the (2011) tornados has been amazing, and I that it becomes a year-round call-to-action and point of customer service. “We can help you select that this important sector of our economy. have really enjoyed seeing the revitalization of retailers.” pride. You’ll see us promote it heavily during the busiest perfect special occasion outfit, complete a new the downtown area. I feel like it has become How can I get involved in Shop Alabama? shopping times of the year, but we’ll also use this platform wardrobe or enhance your old one,” she said. n Join the movement a destination that people are drawn to,” to feature the good work Alabama retailers do in their at shopalabama.org Anyone can join our movement and help us spread Terry adds. In the top photo: Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt communities. We want people to understand the long-term the message. The easiest way is to use our hashtag Maddox, Terry Davis, Melissa Warnke, Alabama value of supporting their local retailers. We all benefit when Terry offered Effie’s in Tuscaloosa as the host #ShopAlabama. Retailers can share photos of their products Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington and Al you Shop Alabama. site for a #ShopAlabama for the Holidays news using the hashtag. Customers can snap a photo while Spencer with The Chamber of Commerce of conference. The November event was part of shopping and share it on social media, using the hashtag. Join the movement at shopalabama.org West Alabama. a six-city media tour promoting the Alabama

6 Alabama Retailer February 2017 February 2017 alabamaretail.org 7 MEMBER HIGHLIGHT FLAIR FOR FASHION ven though Iyishia Jones started The business quickly expanded once again with the her career in corporate America, member addition of ISHI? Luxe in Mountain Brook last summer. since Efashion has always fueled her. 2016 That location, which is different from the others, mainly carries her custom-designed line of apparel. Pieces “I was the one who pushed the envelope sold there, she explained, can be customized or Entrepreneur Turns Her when it came to the corporate dress tailored in-store. code,” Iyishia remembers. “I’d never leave the house without some kind of flair.” Iyishia wasn’t finished growing just yet. Because her Passion Into Her Career husband’s job required the family to spend a good Her love of fashion became so evident, Iyishia’s deal of time in Montgomery, she couldn’t pass up the husband Greg, an entrepreneur himself, encouraged opportunity for a store there as well. THE ISHI? BRAND NOW HAS THREE STORES her to turn that passion into a career. IN ALABAMA AND ONE IN FLORIDA In October 2016, Iyishia opened a fourth location in “He was kind of coaching me along the way, downtown Montgomery. She says she is excited to be Story by Melissa Johnson Warnke. Photos by Brandon Robbins. and made me think – maybe I should be doing part of a budding business district, following the Capital something different.” City’s revitalization efforts. In 2014, she was ready to take that leap, and plans for “When I was little, my mom owned a boutique in her first boutique began taking shape. However, one downtown Detroit, Michigan, where I grew up,” she piece of the puzzle was missing – its name. In the end, recalled. “I remember my parents and others getting Iyishia said, the name had always been a part of her. dressed up and going downtown to shop. It’s exciting to “My husband would continually ask me, ‘Is she?,’ and see that kind of thing happening here.” I would look at him funny and answer, ‘She is!’ I finally Iyishia’s approach to service is also reminiscent of realized what he was doing. He was using the four a time gone by – something she says you don’t get letters in the middle of my name, ISHI.” shopping online or at a big department store. Instead of For Iyishia, the store’s name stuck, but she says it has salespeople, Iyishia employs stylists. come to mean much more than just part of her name. “When you shop at ISHI?,” she said, “You are “When I say ISHI? She is! I mean she is elegant. She immediately greeted by a stylist, who will dress you is casual. She is anything she wants to be, relating based on your eye color, body type and personality. to fashion. That’s what I wanted my business to be You’d be surprised by how many times someone will all about.” say ‘that won’t work for me,’ but when we put it all together, they say, ‘Wow, I love it!’” The couple splits their time between Birmingham and Montgomery and chose Florida’s Rosemary Beach as Additionally, Iyishia says she carries a limited number the first location. of each piece and keeps a record of each customer’s special events, “So you don’t have to worry about “It was a place our family loved visiting and vacationing, showing up to an event in the same outfit as someone so it just felt right,” Iyishia said. “Once I attended South else,” she explained. Walton Fashion Week, that’s when I made my decision, and it ended up working well.” The one-on-one connection to her customers is what makes her excited to wake up and come to work every After several months in business, Iyishia noticed an morning, Iyishia says. increasing number of her orders came from folks in Alabama. “A longtime customer recently told me she loved Shop ISHI? in Homewood shopping with me because of the service and the at 1736 Reese Street and “I realized it was time to bring the boutique home. So, fashion-forwardness. When you hear something in Montgomery at 10 Court in 2015, we opened a second store in Homewood,” Square. ISHI Luxe in Mountain like that, you know you’re doing something right,” Brook is at 2417 Montevallo said Iyishia. Road. The Rosemary Beach she added. location, which is closed during the off season, is at 3925 West For more information, visit alabamaretail.org. County Highway 30A.

8 Alabama Retailer February 2017 February 2017 alabamaretail.org 9 FEATURED MEMBER Chris’ Hot Dogs turns 100 eople always ask us the secret to being in on May 1 and business for 100 years,” said Gus Katechis. promises a huge “P“I always tell them, you just gotta be here. and memorable “Our customers Making History You’ve got to be here every day.” celebration have taken care leading up to of us for the last By Melissa Johnson Warnke It’s a motto that Gus Katechis and his father, Theo, the milestone. certainly live out; there’s rarely a day you don’t see both 100 years, and we of them behind the counter at Chris’ Hot Dogs. want to give back to them.” The father and son are the second and third generation - GUS to run the family business. Theo’s father, Christopher Anastasios “Chris” Katechis, for whom the business is named, immigrated to the United States from a small We just took them off. Every Christmas, we’d sit down island in Greece and opened up his hot dog business on and try to remember where we put them last year.” May 1, 1917. As Theo got older, he started working on his family’s Nearly one hundred years later, Chris’ Hot Dogs remains farm and planned on doing that full time. in its original location – 138 Dexter Avenue in downtown “I found out that I was starving as a farmer,” Theo said Montgomery, just three blocks from Alabama’s State with a laugh. “So, the plan was to go work for the family Capitol. The location has not only afforded the restaurant business for a few years, and then I was going to get and the Katechis family a front row seat to history the farm going. And, here I am, still.” – they’ve also provided a seat or two to the history- makers themselves. But the reality was, his help was needed. Theo’s mother had passed away, and his father was in his late 70s THE FAMILY RECIPE by then.

Theo never planned to officially join the family business. For his son, Gus, the story is much the same. After Growing up, he was one of five children, “So, we all graduating with a degree in fisheries science at Auburn worked here quite a bit,” he said. In fact, he doesn’t University, Gus worked for a few years in Northwest recall his father ever closing the business, except for Florida. It wasn’t long before he felt the call to come Christmas Day. back home.

“The running joke was trying to find where we put the “It was six years ago,” Gus said. “Dad was 65, and the front doors,” Theo remembers. “We were open seven way everything is now, computers are a necessity. Dad days a week, so there was no need to close the doors. had trouble turning on his flip phone,” he said. “It was Continued on page 12 THE ESSENTIALS

AN INTERVIEW WITH Founded Smart Move Wisdom Shared May 1, 1917 Bringing the business Never say, “I can’t,” into the 21st century. and never become Number of Credit card machines, complacent. Learn Theo and Gus Katechis, Employees websites and social something every day. 12 media are a must in business today. Father and Son Owners Mentor Find this story at Our fathers Learning Moment alabamaretail.org Becoming more than of Chris’ Hot Dogs a place people come to eat. Be personable. Get Photos by Brandon Robbins to know your customers. Treat everyone with respect, from the guy scraping up change to the rich guy. February 2017 alabamaretail.org 11 Continued from page 11 Despite the great downtown exodus, as Theo calls it, the restaurant persevered, serving up the same famous hot time. And I have loved every second of it. You never know Member News dogs and hamburgers. who’s going to walk through the doors. We serve everyone HUNTSVILLE BREWERY WESTERN MARKET OPENS NEWSPAPER RECOGNIZES from the governor to everyday, local folks. And that’s the “Everybody left, and we just kept on doing things the way FINISHES 2016 STRONG NEW MOUNTAIN BROOK STORE BROMBERG AS A TOP CEO we always had, down to the way we shaped the burgers,” way it’s always been.” member member member remembers Theo. since since since HOT DOGS AND HISTORY 2016 1989 1992 Once, Theo recalls using something similar to a cookie cutter When Chris’ Hot Dogs first opened in 1917, the restaurant to make the patties perfectly round. offered curb service and did so for about 25 years. At that time, Gus explains, more and more people began driving “People didn’t like them even though we used the same cars, and the service began disrupting the traffic flow in the meat and same recipe,” added Gus. “The patties just didn’t area, so they had to stop. look like they were made by hand. So, we had to quit that.”

By the 1960s, Chris’ Hot In fact, Gus explains, they member Dogs found itself in the since have problems making center of American 2004 any kind of change. history, most notably the “We can’t even paint the Straight to Ale finished 2016 with an award Western Market opened a new, Bromberg & Co. Inc.’s Ricky Bromberg march towards civil rights. place or our customers and a new line of specialty brews 28,000-plus-square-foot store in recently received recognition as one Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., get upset. And that’s who in a grocery chain. The Chamber of Mountain Brook late last year. The 1000 of Birmingham’s top chief executives. who preached a couple pays our bills, so we have Commerce of Huntsville/Madison Jemison Lane store is just behind the In December, Birmingham Business blocks away at Dexter to keep them happy. You County named the company Brewery Mountain Brook Western Market’s Journal, a weekly newspaper and daily Avenue Baptist Church, listen to what they say. of the Year for 2016. The company previous Culver Road location of 57 news website, named Ricky as one of was a frequent customer We try to make small also entered a partnership with Whole years. The new store and what had four finalists for its annual CEO awards at Chris’ Hot Dogs. changes and see how Foods Market to bring the brewery’s been the Mountain Brook Shopping in the midsize companies’ category. Rumble Seat Beer Project to the Center is now part of the Lane Parke Ricky’s contributions to Bromberg’s, the “Blacks weren’t allowed to it goes.” Southeast. Three beers brewed for Development, a multi-use property stores’ track record of performance, eat in the restaurant then. Chris’ Hot Dogs, 138 Dexter Ave., Montgomery, is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. Visit online at chrishotdogs.com Both Gus and Theo Whole Foods – an India Pale Ale, a that also includes apartments and his role in the jewelry industry and his But, they were allowed to attribute that commitment Citrus Witte and an Imperial Red – hit a hotel. “We’re a small local chain, impact in the community earned him come in through the front door. That was a big deal at the to keeping it “just like it always has been” to their ability to the shelves Labor Day weekend in and this is a big deal to us,” Darwin a finalist spot among a record field of time,” said Gus. attract generations of Chris’ Hot Dog lovers. “It’s like stepping Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Metcalf, Western’s president and nominees. Ricky and the other finalists “We’re so thankful times are different now, but my dad back in time,” Theo added. Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. chief operating officer, said of the were featured in the Dec. 2 issue of remembers Martin Luther King coming in every Sunday “We are really excited to see retail starting to come back Straight to Ale operates two breweries larger store, which exceeds its the newspaper and honored at a to pick up the papers,” said Gus. “My grandad was an downtown and more people living down here,” said Gus. “We with a combined 50 barrels of previous space by 7,000 square feet. Dec. 1 event. Visit brombergs.com immigrant, so they’d talk about the things they were facing tell people we survived the great exodus, and now we’re still brewhouse capacity in Huntsville. Visit westernsupermarkets.com those days.” here when everyone is coming back. We’re looking forward Visit straighttoale.com Over the years, the restaurant has served many other to the future of Montgomery.” notable guests – including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry STAYING FRESH IN MEMORIAM: HUGO DOYLE OWENS, 1931 - 2016 Truman, Presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush, Elvis member Presley, Clark Gable, Oprah Winfrey and Hank Williams, who As the restaurant’s hundredth year of business approaches, since Unclaimed Baggage Center founder Doyle Owens passed away Dec. 3 at the age 2016 was known to be a regular. Chris’ Hot Dogs is preparing for a huge celebration. While of 85. In 1970, Owens took out at $300 loan, drove to Washington, D.C., and plans aren’t nailed down just yet, Gus says it will be a purchased his first load of unclaimed luggage. Today, the Scottsboro store is “There’s a story that he first wrote Hey Good Lookin’ on a memorable experience. the nation’s largest purchaser of unclaimed baggage and cargo and is known napkin here at Chris’,” Gus said. “Our customers have taken care of us for the last 100 years, worldwide as a one-of-a-kind retail operation. More than 1 million visit each KEEPING TRADITION and we want to give back to them,” Gus adds. year. Although Bryan and Sharon Owens, his son and daughter-in-law, have owned the company since 1995, almost daily, Doyle could be found in the UBC “I remember when all the businesses started leaving As they look toward the future, Gus and Theo say the plan is café engaging customers. Send memorials to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, downtown in the ‘70s,” said Theo. “People would say, the to keep on keeping on – and continue to serve up the now Boone, NC 28607. Visit unclaimedbaggage.com only thing still down there is Chris’ Hot Dogs and the State famous recipe that’s nearly a century old. n Capitol. It got pretty bad.” For more member news, visit alabamaretail.org.

12 Alabama Retailer February 2017 February 2017 alabamaretail.org 13 Welcome New Members

17 Athens LLC Elevations Inc. JJ Huntsville P2Platinum Pilates Shear Experience LLC Towne & Country ATHENS HUEYTOWN Downtown LLC MOUNTAIN BROOK MONTGOMERY Furniture LLC HUNTSVILLE MOBILE 41st Street Pub & Aircraft Empress Cafe LLC Phillips-Dunn Animal Shelby Pizza Inc. Sales LLC MONTGOMERY JJ Huntsville LLC Hospital LLC BIRMINGHAM United Way of Athens BIRMINGHAM DECATUR MONTGOMERY and Limestone County ESE Coatings North Shindigs Catering LLC ATHENS Big B Bar-B-Que Inc. America Inc. Karen Cowan Pill Sisters LLC BIRMINGHAM ALEXANDER CITY TUSCALOOSA MOULTON CULLMAN Williams Auto Parts LLC Shop HSV LLC ELBA Big Blue’s Restaurant LLC Family Counseling Krishna K. Kakani MD R&R Tax and Business HUNTSVILLE ENTERPRISE Service of Tuscaloosa HUNTSVILLE Solutions LLC YP - Uptown LLC Sitaram Alabama LLC NORTHPORT BIRMINGHAM Founded: 2011 Big Mike’s County, Alabama, Inc. Lampada’s LLC ALEXANDER CITY Founded 2016 featured new member TUSCALOOSA featured new member Restaurant II LLC TUSCALOOSA Rabbit Creek Zelda Court Dental SL Restaurant LLC DBA THOMASVILLE OWNER 2GIRLS LLC Farmers Feed LLC Linden Ace Properties LLC MONTGOMERY Care LLC THE BARKERY MONTGOMERY JACKSON MONTGOMERY The Pink Room BJHQ Enterprises LLC Hardware LLC Michelle Reeder AUBURN South Oak Title LLC MONTGOMERY TUSCALOOSA LINDEN OWNER FDNA LLC Robert Wilson BIRMINGHAM (pictured) ATTALA TUSCUMBIA Black Sheep Kitchen LLC Loco’s Cantina LLC Debbie Smith Southwestern Athletic MOUNTAIN BROOK Fife Family Dentistry LLC PIEDMONT Rowe’s Service NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 4 Conference PRATTVILLE Station LLC NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES Boshancee Nursery Inc. M & M Construction BIRMINGHAM LOCATION 9 BIRMINGHAM NEW MARKET Garnett’s Lawn Materials LLC Stilwell Enterprises LLC MOBILE 1963 Mulberry St., PICTURED Burchell & Co Inc. Equipment Inc. S.I.D.A. LLC CLANTON HARTSELLE OPELIKA Montgomery, AL HOOVER Maluff Enterprises LLC Sales Associate Summerfield Sandwich Gayatrin Inc. MOUNTAIN BROOK Safety Shoes Plus Inc. 36106 Cadella LLC Co. LLC Taylor Jackson IRONDALE SARALAND MOBILE Mamma Mia Pizzeria MADISON MEMBER SINCE Heenav Inc. LLC Serg Enterprises Inc. LOCATION Chariot Investments LLC Surat Inc. GARDENDALE FOLEY BIRMINGHAM Sept. 23, 2016 124 N College St., MOBILE DECATUR Hillcrest Self Storage LLC Me You and a Pizza LLC Sha-Mar Enterprises Inc. Chung’s Corp. Inc. Tanya Morgan Founded 2013 Auburn, AL 36830 MOBILE BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM featured new member NORTHPORT MONTGOMERY MEMBER SINCE Hole Lot of Cakes Inc. Metro Anesthesia and Sha-San Enterprises Inc. OWNERS Cluck-A-Wing LLC Taqueria El Rincon COTTON & PINE BIRMINGHAM Pain Services PC BIRMINGHAM Sept. 2, 2016 BIRMINGHAM Latino LLC Daniel and MOBILE CREATIVE LLC NORTHPORT Dan Warnes HSV Cigar & Krystal Mims Fine Spirits LLC N B P & P Inc. MONTGOMERY GUNTERSVILLE Taqueria Mi Rancho LLC HUNTSVILLE HOMEWOOD DOTHAN NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 6 Danny Holmes Hydro LLC New Samato Japanese VERNON PICTURED AUBURN Steakhouse Inc. Davidson, Davidson & CLANTON Ishaan LLC Creative Director Umbach LLC Steven Lambert AUBURN AUBURN New Vision Investments LLC ISHI? and Designer ENTERPRISE BIRMINGHAM Courtnie Johnson North River Wood Jai Mata Di LLC LOCATION ENTERPRISE Products Inc. TUSCALOOSA 150 Lee St., James Morris WHISTLER Montgomery, AL Jasia Enterprises LLC 36104 MONTGOMERY MEMBER SINCE Sept. 12, 2016

14 Alabama Retailer February 2017 February 2017 alabamaretail.org 15 BENEFITS TO MEMBERSHIP SEVERE WEATHER SALES TAX HOLIDAY Got An Employment Law Question? Use The Employment Law Resource Center Be Prepared, Consolidated

Did you know Alabama Retail USE NEW I-9 FORM Ace Owners Say Association members have access to All new hires must fill out the latest free telephone or e-mail consultation Story by Nancy King Dennis. Photo by Melissa Johnson Warnke. Form I-9 the first day they are on with a team of the state’s top labor the job. law attorneys? Since Jan. 22, the Form I-9 t is a lot easier to be proactive than reactive,” when “What we see is so many people still don’t know about Your association partners with Employment Eligibility Verification it comes to getting the supplies necessary for the tax holiday,” the Consolidated Ace owners said. Other the Birmingham law firm of Lehr “You get quick and dated 11/14/2016 has been in effect. It severe weather emergencies, said Art Frizzell III, co- Alabama retailers who sell the tax-free items report similar Middlebrooks Vreeland & Thompson, specific answers.” “I must be completed for new hires and owner of Consolidated Ace, which has stores in Dothan and experiences. “When customers come in on the tax holiday P.C., to provide the Employment -REBECCA BROWN, any existing employees who require Ozark. “You may not be able to get a generator or a gas can weekend, and we offer to sell them a generator or some of Law Resource Center. Access the WALL STREET MARKETS, DOTHAN reverification for their authorization. after a storm hits.” the bigger ticket items, center under Benefits & Services at member they are not prepared Billy Betts III, the other since alabamaretail.org. Wall Street Markets operate Piggly Even if you only employ one person, 2006 with their spendable cash owner of Consolidated Wiggly grocery stores in Alabama, this document must be kept on file. to make that purchase at Not sure whether you should terminate Ace, which also operates Georgia and Florida. Even though that time,” Billy said. an employee? Want to double check Find the new form and four Ace Hardware stores she is a lawyer, Rebecca has taken whether a certain deduction from an other I-9 information at in the Florida Panhandle, During the tax holiday, the advantage of ARA’s Employment employee’s pay is legal? Through the https://www.uscis.gov/i-9 adds, “It is a given in the state’s four-percent sales Law Hotline. “It provides practical center, you can ask such questions Panhandle/south Alabama tax is waived on common applications for business operations,” Mike Thompson, the managing without charge. region, at some point, we emergency supplies she said. shareholder for our employment law are going to face storms.” costing less than $60 as member “When you call Alabama partner, Lehr Middlebrooks Vreeland since If you need more comprehensive well as generators costing 2005 Retail’s Employment Law & Thompson, has updated an article Consolidated Ace, a assistance than an answer to a Frizzell, left, and Betts encourage their customers to prepare for severe $1,000 or less. Hotline, you get quick on ARA’s website related to reviewing second-generation family question in a telephone or e-mail weather before the storm hits and to take advantage of the tax savings and specific answers,” your I-9 forms and procedures. business, sells a vast during Alabama’s February tax holiday. Like many retailers, consultation, the lawyers will discuss said REBECCA BROWN, VICE PRESIDENT OF array of goods including Consolidated Ace offers how to proceed with you; otherwise, To read Mike’s insights HUMAN RESOURCES AND LEGAL FOR WALL hardware, pet and livestock food, seed, lawn and garden specials on the covered items. “We will incentivize on top your calls and e-mails are handled into I-9 compliance, go to STREET MARKETS LLC. items and building supplies. It is among the many stores of the tax holiday,” said Billy. “We try to promote it in-house without charge to you. alabamaretail.org/I-9-compliance/ where Alabamians can buy tax-free items the last full as much as we can.” Alabama Retail promotes the holiday weekend in February to prepare for weather emergencies. statewide, plus provides retailers with downloadable signage to use in your store. “We try to talk to our customers and get them to prepare New Look Coming for Retail Report in 2017 early,” said Billy. “The tax holiday helps with motivating them Consolidated Ace, founded in 1975, employs 25 at its two to make some purchases,” including batteries, flashlights and Alabama stores and another 70 in Florida. Art and Billy While the Alabama Legislature to your email inbox. It should be cleaner a conversation with your legislators tarps, he said. bought the Alabama portion of the business in November is in session, a major benefit of and more concise. We’ll pinpoint what and to understand the effects on 2016 and the Florida portion in April 2016 from Art’s father, your Alabama Retail Association is important to your business and your business. State officials purposely designed Alabama’s weather Art Frizzell II. The elder Frizzell bought the Florida enterprise membership is regular updates on bottom line. preparedness tax holiday to occur before the height of To stay informed on the latest in 2004 and the Dothan store in 2006. “I was born into the legislative action affecting retailers. This both tornado and hurricane seasons. The three-day, tax- For those who crave more detail, regulatory, legal and legislative issues business,” Art III said. Billy has been a part of the company year, the session begins Feb. 7 and free weekend, which is in its sixth year, seeks to remind we’ll link to issue briefs on the top affecting your business, follow Alabama for 21 years. should end by or before May 22. consumers to stock up on needed emergency supplies retail-related topics of the session, Retail on Twitter and on Facebook and before disaster strikes. During the 2017 session, you’ll notice a whatever those might be. Use the issue make sure Alabama Retail has your change in the Retail Report that comes briefs on alabamaretail.org to have correct email address! Learn more about Alabama’s Feb. 24-26 severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday at alabamaretail.org/alabamasalestaxholidays/ For more information, visit alabamaretail.org.

16 Alabama Retailer February 2017 February 2017 alabamaretail.org 17 Socially Speaking THE POSTS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

Get social with us! “I’d like to thank Talk to us about the PAYROLL AUDIT SEASON photos, resources, retail my wife updates and member RETURN INFORMATION REQUESTED BY FEB. 15 for taking that news we share.

leap with me /Alabama Retail n the past few weeks, your business may have received “After doing this for 23 years, my best advice is to simply to start a retail an envelope from Alabama Retail Comp with the words follow the checklist,” Toni said. “If a participant sends back @AlabamaRetail business.” I“Audit Information Request” in bold red type above the the items in the checklist, ARC should have all we need to address window. complete the audit.” – AVERY AINSWORTH Stay informed at alabamaretail.org This request for audit information is sent each January to IMPORTANCE OF JOB TITLES AND JOB DUTIES ARA members who participate in the ARC workers’ comp More than 200 retailers, academics and civic leaders gathered Oct. 18, 2016, to celebrate all things retail. The second page in the Audit Information Request envelope fund. While the word “audit” may evoke images of the tax Inspiring stories of perseverance, innovation and commitment to community captivated asks for job titles and duties for all employees who received man knocking at your door, ARC’s payroll audit is just routine those at the 35th Annual Alabama Retail Day. Oct. 18 photo album W2s and individuals who received 1099s. ARC needs the payroll verification. information “so we can class employees correctly,” said Toni. Alabama Retail Association shared the ARC participants “pay premium Your workers’ comp rating is based on Dothan chamber's album. throughout the year based on an “After doing this employee job duties. Depending on their estimate of payroll,” said Toni Hill, premium Thank you Dothan Area duties, employees are assigned different administrator for the fund. “Because it for 23 years, my best Chamber of Commerce class codes with different rates. Ensuring is based on an estimate, at the end of for your AMAZING support advice is to simply employees are classed correctly is critical a policy period, we want to determine of #ShopAlabama! How follow the checklist. to making sure a participant’s premium Overtime rule scheduled for Dec.1 exactly what your payroll was, so we fun to see our sign in so Alabama is one of the top five states is calculated properly. “For most of ARC’s put on hold. ARA members know whether to issue a refund or send a If a participant sends many great, local retail for drive-by Americans participants, filling out the second page of check your email inbox. bill for additional premium.” back the items in the stores and businesses! with Disabilities Act lawsuits the audit request is easy. More than half alretail.org/2fPoITl Nov. 22 photo album as profiled on CBS News. checklist, ARC should of our audits involve only one class code,” Nov. 22 link to Wall Street DON’T PANIC AND If your business receives FOLLOW THE CHECKLIST have all we need to Toni said. Journal story a threatening demand Every workers’ comp fund, by law, complete the audit.” HAVE A QUESTION? CALL TONI! letter, this link lists the first We're LIVE to kick off #ShopAlabama for the Holidays in Montgomery! must perform annual payroll audits of steps you should take: - TONI HILL People question it, but Toni says, “I love Thanks to Mayor Todd Strange, the Montgomery Area their participants. PREMIUM ADMINISTRATOR alretail.org/1RctXJy Dec. 4 auditing; it is like a puzzle.” She adds, “It is Chamber of Commerce and member business ISHI? for link to CBS News story and In this audit, no ARC employee will come also one of the few times a year when helping us spread the message in a great news conference! Alabama Retail web post to your business to look at your books. our participants call me.” Nov. 17 video An ARC payroll audit simply requires a business to provide Got a question? “Pick up the phone and call me or send me information that documents actual payroll for the past an email,” says Toni. “I love talking to our members. I love calendar year. helping our members understand workers’ comp.” The first page in the Audit Information Request envelope “is RECENTLY RE-TWEETED @ALABAMARETAIL To contact Toni or any member of the policy team, a short checklist of information, we need returned to us by call 800.239.5423 or send an email to Feb. 15,” said Toni. @tuscaloosacity is honored to support [email protected]. #shopalabama #shoptuscaloosa Nov. 18 To verify payroll, ARC relies on information found in W3, W2s, Not an Alabama Retail Comp participant? and 1099s or state quarterly wage reports and federal 941s. by Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox Visit alabamaretail.org/comp to find out more. Other information such as overtime records and workers’ comp insurance certificates for subcontractors also may be required in certain circumstances. 18 Alabama Retailer February 2017 February 2017 alabamaretail.org 19 PRESORTED STD US POSTAGE PAID 7265 Halcyon Summit Drive PERMIT #198 MONTGOMERY, AL P.O. Box 240669 Montgomery, Alabama 36124-0669

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Retailers in Alabama are better when we join together. Cost-Effective Workers’ Compensation Coverage The greatest benefit of ARA membership is the workers’ Whether voicing our view when public policy is compensation coverage available through Alabama Retail made, negotiating rates for benefits and services or Comp. You get great rates, expert claims handling and communicating the retail story, the 4,100 members of the exceptional service. Excess income comes back to you in Alabama Retail Association are better together. the form of an annual retrospective return. Take advantage of all your association has to offer. Low-Cost Credit Card Processing Through our partnership with Huntsville’s CHECKredi®, you “Alabama Retail does an excellent have access to group-negotiated, credit-card processing job of assisting small business rates typically reserved for only the largest retailers. owners in navigating the complex environment involved in operating In-Depth Communication retail stores in Alabama.” Whether posts or issue briefs on alabamaretail.org, timely email communications, real-time social media posts or -MARGARET HAMM, MONOGRAMS PLUS stories in our magazine Alabama Retailer, ARA keeps you informed on the latest regulatory, legal, legislative and Legislative Clout business issues affecting your business. Your membership gives us the power to stop laws that interfere with your business and help shape laws that let Visit us at alabamaretail.org your business succeed.