Birmingham, AL, January 8, 2026
Birmingham, Alabama is experiencing significant economic growth fueled by local businesses like Hibbett and Ruby Sunshine. The city fosters entrepreneurship and supports small businesses, contributing to a vibrant economy. Hibbett’s acquisition by JD Sports Fashion ensures continued corporate presence, while Ruby Sunshine enriches the culinary landscape. Retail developments by companies like Red Mountain Group are revitalizing communities, together highlighting Birmingham’s commitment to economic diversification and job creation.
Birmingham, Alabama is a vibrant hub of economic activity, where entrepreneurial spirit and strategic investments consistently drive growth and community development. The Magic City’s business landscape thrives on the resilience of local enterprises, the vision of innovative leaders, and a supportive environment that champions private sector initiatives. This ongoing dynamism is evident in the recent activities of key players like Hibbett, Ruby Sunshine, and developments in the broader retail sector, all contributing to Birmingham’s robust economic narrative.
The city’s commitment to fostering a favorable business climate is crucial for attracting and retaining companies, enabling them to expand and create opportunities. Birmingham has actively pursued strategies to empower small businesses and entrepreneurs, recognizing their pivotal role in economic diversification and job creation. Initiatives aimed at strengthening local businesses reflect a belief in the power of local determination and the positive ripple effects of a thriving private sector.
Hibbett: A Birmingham Retail Giant’s Continued Growth
Hibbett, Inc., a prominent American sporting goods retailer, maintains its headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama. The company, which was formerly known as Hibbett Sports, Inc., operates 1,169 retail stores across 36 states as of February 3, 2024. Its history traces back to 1945 when Rufus Hibbett founded Dixie Supply Co., later renamed Hibbett & Sons in 1952 and Hibbett Sporting Goods in 1969. Hibbett Sports expanded its market presence through the acquisition of City Gear in 2018.
In a significant development, Hibbett was acquired by JD Sports Fashion, a UK-based global leader in athletic footwear and fashion, in a transaction valued at approximately $1.1 billion. This acquisition, completed in April 2024, is a testament to the strength and appeal of Hibbett’s brands and its relationships with vendor partners. Notably, Hibbett will maintain its corporate headquarters in Birmingham following the acquisition, ensuring its continued contribution to the local economy and workforce. The company’s commitment to its Birmingham roots, even as it becomes part of a larger global entity, underscores the city’s value as a corporate base.
Ruby Sunshine Brightens Birmingham’s Culinary Scene
Birmingham’s vibrant culinary landscape has been further enriched by the presence of Ruby Sunshine, a New Orleans-inspired all-day brunch restaurant. The Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group, the collective behind the acclaimed New Orleans-based Ruby Slipper Café, expanded its concept with the Ruby Sunshine brand. The city is home to two Ruby Sunshine locations: one in the Homewood area and a second in the Brook Highland neighborhood.
The Homewood location opened in 2019, bringing its unique menu of Southern breakfast staples with New Orleans twists, such as Eggs Cochon Benedict and Bananas Foster Pain Perdu. The Brook Highland location, which opened in December 2021, also offers all-day brunch and signature cocktails like the Bacon Bloody Marys. Ruby Sunshine’s expansion into Birmingham highlights the city’s attractiveness for growing restaurant concepts and its appreciation for diverse dining experiences. The restaurant has also engaged in community support, notably asking patrons to donate to Magic City Harvest during its Brook Highland opening. Such ventures not only provide new dining options but also contribute to local job creation and community engagement.
Red Mountain Retail: Shaping Birmingham’s Commercial Landscape
The retail development sector in Birmingham plays a vital role in transforming communities and fostering economic vitality through private investment. Companies like Red Mountain Group, an established leader in retail redevelopment, are active in the region. Red Mountain Group focuses on acquiring new retail investment opportunities and redeveloping distressed shopping centers and blighted retail buildings into thriving local shopping centers across the United States, including Alabama. Since 1991, Red Mountain Group has developed and redeveloped approximately $4.5 billion in retail and mixed-use real estate nationwide.
Another entity, Red Mountain Realty Company, operates as a full-service commercial real estate firm with projects strategically located in major metropolitan areas of Alabama, including Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile. Their services encompass property management, leasing, investment property sales, tenant representation, and development. An example of local retail infrastructure is Red Mountain Plaza, an established shopping center with a strong tenant mix located on Greens Springs Highway in Homewood, offering access to downtown Birmingham. These developments attract businesses, provide essential services to neighborhoods, and contribute to the local tax base, reflecting the positive impact of private sector-led revitalization efforts.
Birmingham’s Economic Development and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Birmingham continues to be recognized for its economic resilience and a burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem. The city has seen significant growth in business-to-business payments among small businesses, with an 84% growth since March 2020 and a 131% increase in the last year. This growth is attributed to intentional support, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to helping entrepreneurs thrive. The city’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity actively works to empower small businesses, invest in talent, and build a diverse economy.
The presence of accelerator programs and increased venture activity also signals a healthy innovation ecosystem, attracting investment in early-stage companies. Public-private partnerships, such as Innovate Alabama, provide crucial support, funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs statewide. These efforts highlight Birmingham’s dedication to creating an environment where businesses, from established corporations like Hibbett to new culinary ventures like Ruby Sunshine and retail redevelopers, can flourish, driving job creation and sustained economic growth.
Conclusion
The continued success and strategic evolutions of businesses such as Hibbett, the expansion of popular dining spots like Ruby Sunshine, and the ongoing efforts in retail development exemplify Birmingham’s dynamic economic landscape. These “Magic City Newsmakers” demonstrate the power of entrepreneurial innovation, the resilience of businesses in adapting to market changes, and the impact of private investment in fostering growth. Birmingham’s commitment to supporting its diverse business community, from retail giants to local eateries and development firms, reinforces its position as a city where enterprise can thrive. Residents are encouraged to support local businesses, thereby contributing directly to the ongoing economic growth and community vitality that defines Birmingham, AL.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Hibbett, Inc.’s connection to Birmingham, AL?
Hibbett, Inc., an American sporting goods retailer, maintains its corporate headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama. The company will continue to maintain its headquarters in Birmingham following its acquisition by JD Sports Fashion.
How many stores does Hibbett operate?
As of February 3, 2024, Hibbett operates 1,169 retail stores, including Hibbett Sports, City Gear, and Sports Additions stores, in 36 states.
What is Ruby Sunshine and where are its locations in Birmingham?
Ruby Sunshine is a New Orleans-inspired all-day brunch restaurant. It has two locations in Birmingham, Alabama: one in the Homewood area and another in the Brook Highland neighborhood.
What kind of cuisine does Ruby Sunshine offer?
Ruby Sunshine offers New Orleans-inspired twists on Southern breakfast staples, such as Eggs Cochon Benedict, Bananas Foster Pain Perdu, and Bacon Bloody Marys.
What role do companies like Red Mountain Group play in Birmingham’s economy?
Companies like Red Mountain Group are involved in retail redevelopment, transforming distressed shopping centers and blighted retail buildings into thriving local shopping centers. These efforts attract businesses, provide services to communities, and contribute to the local economy.
How is Birmingham supporting small business growth?
Birmingham supports small business growth through various initiatives, including the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, which empowers small businesses and fosters a diverse economy. The city has shown significant growth in business-to-business payments and offers accelerator programs and public-private partnerships to aid entrepreneurs.
Key Features of Magic City Newsmakers
| Newsmaker | Key Business Activity | Birmingham Presence | Economic Impact Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hibbett, Inc. | Sporting goods retailer | Corporate headquarters in Birmingham, AL | Maintains local headquarters after $1.1 billion acquisition by JD Sports Fashion, reinforcing local employment and corporate presence. |
| Ruby Sunshine | New Orleans-inspired all-day brunch restaurant | Two locations in Birmingham (Homewood and Brook Highland) | Adds to the diverse culinary scene, creates local jobs, and engages in community support, like partnerships with local nonprofits. |
| Red Mountain Retail Entities | Retail redevelopment and commercial real estate services | Projects in major metropolitan areas of Alabama, including Birmingham; Red Mountain Plaza in Homewood | Transforms distressed commercial properties into thriving shopping centers, attracts businesses, and contributes to local tax base and neighborhood revitalization through private investment. |
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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.
