By Anne Ruisi
Three Homewood businesses were named Retailer of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association, and another was named as a Centennial Business on Sept. 21, according to press releases from the association and the Homewood Chamber of Commerce.
Cookie Fix was awarded the Gold Retailer of the Year award in the Annual Sales $1 Million to $5 Million category.
“We believe in having the best product that fills a niche, providing the best customer service with a warm and engaging customer experience, and building a team that goes ‘above and beyond’ and strives for constant and never-ending excellence in everything we do,” Cookie Fix founder Amy Jason said. “I am thankful for our awesome Cookie Fix customers and our amazing team that makes this dream happen every day.”
“What stuck with me was Cookie Fix’s benevolence and creative sales growth,” noted one of the Retailer of the Year judges.
The company serves fresh baked cookies, bars, seasonal desserts and Frozen Dough to Go, as well as complimentary baking accessories such as Dough Maker baking sheets and small iron skillets for baking cookies and desserts at home.
Cookie Fix has three retail locations, including company-owned stores in Homewood and Cahaba Heights and a franchise in Huntsville. Cookie Fix also operates a production facility in Hoover, and the company’s Frozen Dough to Go products are in four specialty markets in Alabama and one in Georgia. The company has been recognized by Southern Living magazine, the Food Network and numerous other media outlets.
Two other Homewood businesses also were recognized with Retailer of the Year awards.
At Home, Susan Gordon Pottery Awarded
Babbie Styslinger, owner of At Home Furnishings, a furniture, home décor, clothing and accessory retailer, is Alabama’s Bronze Retailer of the Year in the Annual Sales $5 Million to $20 Million category.
Styslinger founded At Home Furnishings 30 years ago on 18th Street South, because she said there were no locally owned furniture stores in the area at the time. The Alabama Retailer of the Year judges noted that Styslinger and her staff used ecommerce and social media during the height of the pandemic to stay relevant and keep serving its customers.
Susan Gordon, founder, chief creator and owner of Susan Gordon Pottery, is the Bronze Alabama Retailer of the Year in the Annual Sales $1 Million to $5 Million category.
Gordon’s store offers handmade pottery in the form of bowls, vases, dishes, serveware, picture frames and seasonal Christmas décor, as well as ceramic jewelry and framed intaglios.
She began selling her pottery online and at festivals in 2013. She first sold to consumers through Etsy, then in 2019 she began selling to consumers directly from her website. She now operates a store front in Homewood.
“This is a proud moment for all of us here at SGP,” Gordon said. “I want to thank our loyal customers, who keep coming back to purchase with us and help support a team of 30 wonderful, gifted artisans.”
Shaia’s, Ashley Mac Recognized
Shaia’s was recognized as an Alabama Centennial Retailer in celebration of its 100th year in business. J.L. and Ken Shaia represent the third and fourth generation to operate Shaia’s. Both worked alongside their father and grandfather at some point in their tenures.
“For a business to survive the dramatic changes of the past century is a remarkable achievement. It is fitting to celebrate the enduring first-century contributions Shaia’s has made to Homewood and the surrounding communities,” Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown said.
Ashley Mac’s, with five Birmingham-area locations, was named Gold Retailer of the Year in the Annual Sales $5 Million to $20 Million category on Sept. 7.
The Alabama Retailer of the Year awards, started in 1999, honor retailers who have demonstrated growth, innovation and a commitment to their respective communities. This year’s winners were selected from 42 entries submitted from a pool of 55 nominees; 11 businesses were honored as 2022 Retailers of the Year, with Homewood boasting the most winners of any city this year.
