By Sam Prickett The Alabama Retail Association will honor 20 Alabama businesses –including several Over the Mountain businesses – during its 2017 Alabama Retail Day luncheon on Oct. 17. These retailers were selected by a panel of judges “representing the media, chambers of commerce, retail developers, former Retailers of the Year and the academic community,” according to a … [Read more...]
He’s Seen the Light: Eclipse Experience Persuades Smith’s Variety Owner to Keep the Family Store
By Sam Prickett It took a once-in-a-generation event to convince him, but Smith’s Variety owner Jim Glazner has decided against selling the iconic Mountain Brook toy store. Aug. 21’s solar eclipse was the deciding factor for Glazner, who had been planning to sell the store after his mother, Mary Anne, passed away in April. Mary Anne had run the store since the death of her … [Read more...]
Envisioning Homewood: Survey Is Aimed at Planning for the Future of Downtown
By Sam Prickett As part of an effort to develop a master plan for downtown Homewood, the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham is conducting a survey to help determine short- and long-term priorities. The Heart of Homewood Plan Community Visioning Survey is intended to contribute to a comprehensive development plan for the city’s downtown area, addressing … [Read more...]
Plans Moving Forward for New Hotel in Homewood
By Sam PrickettAfter adjusting to local concerns and criticism, plans for a new, full-service hotel in Homewood are moving forward.The four-and-a-half-star hotel – as well as an accompanying spa – is slated to be built on the corner of 28th Avenue South and 18th Street South, the former location of Hatfield Auto, Little Professor Bookstore and Wolf … [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...]