ARA

Fairhope Entrepreneur Joins ARA Board of Directors

Friday, November 13, 2009

MONTGOMERY – Denise Knox, owner of  Private Gallery Inc.  based in Fairhope, begins her first term as a member of the  Alabama Retail Association board of directors on Jan. 1. She was elected Nov. 12 during ARA’s annual meeting. Private Gallery Inc. became an ARA member earlier this year.
 
Knox began Private Gallery in 1996 as a home-based business offering customers their own "private gallery" of jewelry and accessories. She has grown the venture into 13 brick-and-mortar stores in five states in addition to an Internet presence. Private Gallery sells trendy and affordable clothing, jewelry and accessories for girls of all ages. The 200 associates employed by Private Gallery promise “a fun shopping experience, always!”

The business has eight Alabama locations in Auburn, Birmingham, Fairhope, Foley, Orange Beach, Mobile, Spanish Fort and Tuscaloosa, plus stores in Arkansas, Georgia, Florida and Mississippi. Knox was recognized in 2002 and 2004 as an Alabama Retailer of the Year.

Knox, a Dallas, Texas, native earned a marketing degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and had a career as a flight attendant with Southwest Airlines before beginning her business.

She and her husband, Garth, live in Fairhope. They have two grown daughters.

The Alabama Retail Association represents almost 4,000 independent merchants and national companies that retail food, clothing, furniture and other general merchandise at more than 6,000 locations throughout Alabama. The membership of ARA accounts for more than 75 percent of total annual retail sales in Alabama.  Since 1943, it has been the goal of the Alabama Retail Association to benefit its members and promote what is best for the retailing industry in the state of Alabama. From legislation before the Alabama Legislature or the U.S. Congress to education, through communication and member services, the association provides its members with the latest information and technology.

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Media Contact: Nancy King Dennis | 334.263.5757, Ext. 101 | 800.239.5423