Homewood’s Bandwagon Named Emerging Retailer of the Year
Homewood, Alabama, has another gem to celebrate in the local retail scene. The Alabama Retail Association recently honored Bandwagon, a custom sports boutique, with the prestigious 2024 Gee Emerging Retailers of the Year award. Owned by Leah and David Knight, Bandwagon has quickly carved a niche for itself since opening its doors in 2021.
A Community-Driven Business
Located in Homewood with additional stores in Vestavia Hills and Madison, Mississippi, Bandwagon specializes in custom community apparel and lifestyle clothing for customers of all ages— from toddlers to adults. The Knights have made it clear that their business isn’t just about sales; it’s about giving back. “We have devoted ourselves to serving our community through our customers,” Leah Knight remarked. “Living in the community we serve has given us the opportunity to give back through Bandwagon.”
Impressive Growth and Innovation
Bandwagon has shown remarkable growth, boasting a 25% increase in revenue from 2022 to 2023. This success is credited to a mix of community connections and proactive business strategies, such as launching pop-up shops and a merchandising truck. In 2024, the Homewood location made a strategic move from downtown to the thriving Edgewood neighborhood, a decision the Knights believe has bolstered their brand recognition. “The number of customers dining in the Edgewood area each day has broadened our exposure,” David Knight explained.
Community Impact and Engagement
Through their innovative approaches, Bandwagon emphasizes local engagement. For instance, they are known for their partnership efforts with schools and community organizations, contributing over $50,000 in sponsorships and fundraising initiatives. Furthermore, the boutique’s active presence on social media and its setup of team-specific shops reflect a true understanding of the local community. “Bandwagon focuses on all ages of their local consumer and meets them where they are,” one of the judges remarked.
Supporting Local Businesses
The company’s commitment to local retail extends to active memberships in the Homewood, Vestavia Hills, and Mountain Brook chambers of commerce, as well as the Cahaba Heights Merchants Association. They also engage the next generation of retail professionals through career days held at local schools. Shay Gartman, executive director of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce, who nominated the Knights for this influential award, praised Bandwagon, stating that it has quickly become “one of the Birmingham area’s premier spots for sporting gear, equipment, and school spirit apparel.”
Honoring a Retail Legacy
The Gee Emerging Retailer of the Year Award, named in memory of the late Morris “Mickey” Gee, is given annually to recognize innovative and impactful retailers in Alabama. Bandwagon is among five businesses awarded in four categories this year, representing a small business community that is thriving against the odds. Rick Brown, president of the Alabama Retail Association, encapsulated the sentiment beautifully: “Leah and David Knight are Retailers of the Year every year to Bandwagon’s customers, its ten Alabama employees, and the Homewood, Vestavia Hills, and greater Birmingham communities.”
As Bandwagon continues to grow and make strides in the local retail landscape, one thing is clear: the Knights’ vision of community-first business practices is paving the way for a promising future. For anyone looking for quality sports gear or community apparel, Bandwagon is undoubtedly an essential stop.
