By Donna CorneliusThis winter, cold nights will be a little warmer for Birmingham folks in need thanks to Royal Cup Coffee and Tea.The company has been a supporter of Heart to Table, a warming station at Boutwell Auditorium that opens its doors on the coldest nights of the year. The charity is run by Don Lupo, director of the Birmingham Mayor’s Office of Citizens … [Read more...]
Spreading Liberty: Liberty Park Begins Construction on Last Open Parcel of Land
By Emily Williams Liberty Park officials and business owners dipped their golden shovels into the dirt Oct. 12 to kick off the first phase of construction on the neighborhood’s last parcel of undeveloped land. Development is beginning on the first 6.5 acres of a 700-acre plot that will be transformed into Town Village. “This is really indicative of what we are calling the … [Read more...]
Sewn Through Time: King Cotton Fabrics Celebrates 50 Years of Family Business
By Emily Williams Over half of a decade, two things have remained constant in the world of King Cotton Fabrics: family and fabrics. When Bill Haas had the opportunity to buy an established fabric store in Tuscaloosa, he knew nothing about the fabric industry. But he knew whom to turn to for advice: his wife, Janet. “I remember, right after he bought the business, he came … [Read more...]
Smith’s Goes Shopping: Jim Glazner Looking for Someone to Buy the Store and Run It Like Mom and Pop Did
By Sam Prickett It’s been 67 years since Smith’s Variety first opened its doors, and in that time the toy and gift shop has become something of an institution for generations of Mountain Brook families. But change is in store for Smith’s “very soon,” said owner Jim Glazner. He’s looking to sell the business, though he said it’s important that new owners maintain the … [Read more...]
Going Native: City of Hoover Partners With App to Promote Shopping Local
By Emily Williams Smartphones and tablets keep the internet almost always within reach, making it easier than ever to shop. But the shift toward e-commerce has drawn consumers away from local small businesses. When sales drop and local businesses close, it isn’t just the owner and employees who suffer; the city loses tax dollars the store would have generated. Those tax … [Read more...]