Hess Institute for Retailing Development

The Hess Institute provides teaching, research, and service to the retailing industry. The Institute brings together academicians, students, and practitioners for interaction and exchange of ideas, sponsoring Retailing Day and a management symposium for retailers each year.

The Hess Institute was established by an endowment by Parisian’s, an Alabama-headquartered fashion department store that is today a part of Sak’s Incorporated.  The Institute collaborates with the Alabama Retail Association (ARA) to address contemporary retailing issues such as electronic commerce, retail taxation legislation, small business development, geo-demographic and cultural shifts, and other topics.  With the ARA, the Institute sponsors an Alabama Retailers of the Year Awards program each fall.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Robert M. Morgan, Interim Director
Associate Professor of Marketing
The University of Alabama
Box 870225
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
205/348-6183