Birmingham, Alabama, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The Alabama Peanut Co. and Alabama Outdoors were honored as Retailers of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association. This recognition highlights their innovation, business growth, and community contributions. The Alabama Retail Association represents over 4,300 retailers in the state and has recognized outstanding businesses since 1999. Owners Jaime Thursby and Eric Ferrell expressed gratitude for the support from the community, emphasizing the significant role local businesses play in Alabama’s economy and culture.
Birmingham, Alabama — The Alabama Peanut Co. and Alabama Outdoors were recognized as Retailers of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association (ARA) on Thursday, Oct. 16. These awards honor businesses that exhibit excellence in innovation, business growth, and contributions to the community, highlighting their pivotal roles within the state.
The Alabama Retail Association, established in 1943, is dedicated to representing retailers in public policy decisions. The organization currently boasts 4,300 members with approximately 6,000 locations throughout Alabama. Since 1999, the ARA has been acknowledging outstanding businesses in the state, and this year Jaime Thursby, owner of Alabama Peanut Co., and Eric Ferrell, president of Alabama Outdoors, were the chosen honorees.
Alabama Peanut Co.
Alabama Peanut Co., the nation’s oldest peanut shop operating since 1907, has two locations—one in Birmingham on Morris Avenue and another in Tuscaloosa. The shop is renowned for its delicious boiled peanuts but also offers an enticing selection of craft beers and classic sodas. Jaime Thursby expressed deep gratitude toward the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama for their nomination and their ongoing support for local businesses.
Alabama Outdoors
Founded in 1975, Alabama Outdoors has evolved into a stylish and high-quality lifestyle brand, with five locations scattered throughout the state. The company was one of the pioneering outdoor specialty retailers in Alabama, setting a standard for outdoor retail that continues to resonate today.
Impact and Legacy
The ARA’s recognition of these two retailers emphasizes the importance of local businesses in fostering community ties and contributing to the economic landscape of Alabama. As the state continues to grow and evolve, businesses like Alabama Peanut Co. and Alabama Outdoors play a significant role in maintaining the area’s unique character and vibrancy.
History of the Alabama Retail Association
Since its inception, the ARA has worked diligently to support the retail sector in Alabama. With a history spanning over 80 years, the association has adapted to the changing needs of its members, promoting advocacy, education, and a sense of community among retailers statewide.
Conclusion
The recognition of Alabama Peanut Co. and Alabama Outdoors serves not only as a celebration of their individual accomplishments but also highlights the strength and resilience of Alabama’s retail sector as a whole.
FAQ
- What companies were recognized as Retailers of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association? The Alabama Peanut Co. and Alabama Outdoors were recognized as Retailers of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association on Thursday, Oct. 16.
- What criteria are used for the Alabama Retail Association awards? The ARA awards honor businesses displaying excellence in innovation, business growth, and contributions to the community.
- When was the Alabama Retail Association founded? The association was founded in 1943 by retailers seeking representation in public policy decisions.
- How many members does the Alabama Retail Association have? Currently, the ARA has 4,300 members with approximately 6,000 locations throughout Alabama.
- Who were this year’s honorees for Retailers of the Year? Jaime Thursby, owner of Alabama Peanut Co., and Eric Ferrell, president of Alabama Outdoors, were this year’s honorees.
- When did the ARA start recognizing strong businesses in Alabama? The ARA has recognized strong businesses in Alabama since 1999.
- Where are the locations of Alabama Peanut Co.? Alabama Peanut Co. operates two locations: one in Birmingham on Morris Avenue and another in Tuscaloosa.
- What products does Alabama Peanut Co. offer? Alabama Peanut Co. serves craft beers and classic sodas alongside their renowned boiled peanuts, and it has been roasting peanuts since 1907, making it the oldest peanut shop in the U.S.
- How many locations does Alabama Outdoors have? Alabama Outdoors has five locations across the state and was founded in 1975 as a pioneer in outdoor specialty retail in Alabama.
- How has Alabama Outdoors evolved? The Alabama Outdoors website states that the company has evolved into a stylish, high-quality lifestyle brand.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Alabama Peanut Co. | Alabama Outdoors |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1907 | 1975 |
| Locations | 2 (Birmingham, Tuscaloosa) | 5 across Alabama |
| Main Products | Boiled peanuts, craft beers, classic sodas | Outdoor apparel and gear |
| Award | Retailer of the Year 2023 | Retailer of the Year 2023 |
| Association Founded | None indicated | None indicated |
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Additional Resources
- Bham Now
- Wikipedia: Alabama Retail Association
- The Bama Buzz
- Google Search: Alabama Peanut Co
- Tuscaloosa Thread
- Google Scholar: Alabama Outdoors
- Tuscaloosa Thread
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alabama businesses
- Tuscaloosa Thread
- Google News: Birmingham Alabama
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
