ARA

Leo Shaia Joins Retail Association Board of Directors

Friday, November 13, 2009

LeoShaia09MONTGOMERY – Leo Shaia, vice president of  Shaia's of Homewood , begins his first term as a member of the  Alabama Retail Association board of directors on Jan. 1. He was elected Nov. 12 during ARA’s annual meeting. Shaia’s has been an ARA member since 1992.
 
Shaia operates the better men’s clothing, furnishings and shoes store with his brother, J.L., and J.L’s son, Ken, the fourth generation in the family business that predates the city of Homewood. Outside of the three family members, Shaia’s employs six other full-time workers.

S.G. Shaia started the business in 1922 as a general store; in 1932, the founder’s son, A. J. Shaia, developed the enterprise into a junior department store; by the 1970s, under the guidance of the founder’s grandsons, Leo and J.L., the emphasis shifted to men’s and women’s clothing, eventually evolving into the store’s current focus.

Leo Shaia began working in the business in 1958 as a salesman. He has served as vice president for 40 years. He, his brother and his nephew were recognized earlier this year as Alabama Retailers of the Year.

Leo Shaia and his wife, Jacquelyn, live in Birmingham.

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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