BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Alabama retailers will meet for a day of discussion on the industry, talks with the sector's leading executives and awards for the state's top companies when the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Business  hosts its annual Retail Day 2009 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept 29 at The Club, 1 Robert S. Smith Drive.

"There will be much discussion about how the industry is weathering the economic storm and how retailers are adding value to bring consumers back into stores," said Bob Robicheaux, Ph.D., chair of the school's Department of Marketing, Industrial Distribution and Economics.

Retail Day events will include a keynote address from Mickey Newsome, the CEO and chairman of Hibbett Sports. The Birmingham-based retailer operates more than 720 sporting goods stores in small to mid-sized markets in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southwest.

The Alabama Retail Association also will announce the Alabama Retailer of the Year, among other awards.

"Never before have we hosted a retail day in an economic climate like the one that we have today," Robicheaux said. "Retailers are challenged, but we'll honor some great truly great merchants and business operators on Sept. 29.

"We have plenty to celebrate and many lessons to be shared as we head into the holiday shopping season with hopes and expectations for an economic rebound and restoration of consumer confidence," he said.

Retail Day is open to the public. Tickets are $50 each, and registration is required by Sept. 25. Contact Cassandra Walker at 205-934-8840 or walkerc@uab.edu.

About the UAB School of Business

The UAB School of Business is located in the heart of Alabama's largest city and business center. For more information on how the school's Birmingham location provides unique internship and other out-of-the-classroom experiences, log on to http://www.uab.edu/business/.