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Photos from award ceremony provided upon request

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Alabama Retail Association (ARA) in cooperation with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) today recognized nine outstanding Alabama retailers as “Retailers of the Year.” The presentations were made at The Club in Birmingham during the UAB School of Business’ 2009 Retail Day Luncheon. This marked the 10th presentation of the Retailer of the Year Awards since 1999.

Andy and  Andrew Brown , owner/general manager and vice president/sales manager, respectively, of Brown Lumber & Building Supply Inc., a third-generation family business in Columbiana, received the Gold Award in the “Annual Sales More than $5 Million” category. Stacy Walkup, executive director of the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce, nominated the Browns for this prestigious award.           

What Andrew B. Brown Jr. began as a sawmill operation in 1950, now occupies 10 acres and in addition to its lumber and building supply operations includes a 12,000-square-foot retail showroom, operated by the founder’s son and grandson. The business employs 31 and is affiliated with the Ace Hardware chain of stores.

Even in the down economy, Brown Lumber’s hardware operations have thrived, Andrew B. Brown IV said in the award entry. The nearest big-box hardware and home improvement stores are about 20 minutes away from the central Alabama town of 5,000. “Companywide, we have really been affected by the housing market downturn, and it has truly been a blessing to have our retail operations,” the younger Brown said. Retail sales account for 30 percent of the company’s sales and that number keeps growing. “We are looking for big things in the future when the housing market recovers,” he added.

The Retailer of the Year judges cited the Browns for adapting to changing economic and business conditions and for “great sales numbers” in relation to the population of the city where the business is located.

Staying ahead of the curve also means keeping a technology edge, and the Browns have done that by improving the business’ Web site, sending out a monthly e-newsletter and creating an e-showroom.

Being a strong community supporter also plays a role in their business plan. “We strive to be a community leader in giving back and hope it sets an example to other business in the area,” Andrew wrote in their entry. That means serving on the boards of the local chamber of commerce and the Merchants and Professionals Association as well as teaming with other local businesses to make community projects and events possible.

“Andy and Andrew Brown are retailers of the year EVERY year to their employees and the Shelby and Jefferson County areas,” said ARA President Rick Brown.

>>Previous Retailers of the Year

Photo Caption: From Left, Andy and Andrew Brown in their office in Columbiana.

Media Contact: Andrew Brown, Brown Lumber & Building Supply Inc. | (205) 669-6715, Ext. 30

Media Contact: Nancy Dennis | 334.263.5757 EXT.101