Two Mountain Brook businesses named finalists for Retailer of the Year awards

Two local business owners have been listed among finalists for Alabama's Retailer of the Year. Linda Flaherty of Once Upon a Time and Marguerite Ray of Marguerite's Conceits were both honored by the Alabama Retail Association on Aug. 29. Both business owners were nominated by the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce.

Flaherty, who has sold nursery furnishings and children's clothes for 20 years, said the business has always been a passion. She said buying products for the store is one of her favorite parts of Once Upon a Time, as well as helping first-time parents get everything they need. Flaherty said she was "very surprised" but honored to be chosen as a finalist.

"Your hard work really does pay off and my community is such a big support for us," Flaherty said.

Ray owned a Table Matters for two years before she decided to start her own business for home furnishings. She has been in her current location on Canterbury Road for 23 years but said her business evolves every day to meet her customers' requests. She also helped start the Mountain Brook Merchants Association.

Like Flaherty, Ray said she was glad to be nominated. She is in the shop at Marguerite's Conceits six days a week.

"It's really nice to be recognized for a lot of hard work," Ray said.

"Never ever, though, do I wake up and think, 'Oh, I wish I didn't have to go to work today.' Because it's fun," she added.

Nancy Dennis, the ARA director of public relations, said the full list of Retailer of the Year finalists will be released mid-September. There are 13 total finalists chosen from around the state by public polls and a group of judges. 

The individual winners will be honored at Retail Day on Oct. 18 at the Vestavia Country Club.