Auburn business owner Jessica Pittman wins 2026 retail award

The Alabama Retail Association has named Jessica Pittman, owner of J. Pittman Interiors in Auburn, the winner of its 2026 Emerging Retailer of the Year “Gee Award.”

Pittman launched her interior design business four and a half years ago and opened a storefront a year later. The business offers home decor, furnishings and gifts that reflect her design aesthetic.

“Business is about more than selling products. It is about investing in people and strengthening the community we call home,” Pittman said. “While we are still a young business, these first four years have been marked by tremendous growth, learning and refinement.”

Presented annually, the award honors an emerging retailer who demonstrates strong business growth and innovative retailing. The association recognized J. Pittman Interiors for its expansion from design services into retail, support for local artists and efforts to prepare future business professionals.

As her design business grew, Pittman saw an opportunity to serve customers through a storefront that complements her interior design services. The business also operates an online store, which Pittman said she hopes to expand to reach customers beyond the Auburn area.

The store features work by local artists and makers, including painters and potters from the Auburn-Opelika area and Montgomery region. It also supports local nonprofits, including Redeeming Grace, Eye on Grace and BigHouse Foundation.

Pittman offers internships and job-shadowing opportunities that give students hands-on experience in the daily operations of a business.

“Building a successful retail business takes vision, hard work and a willingness to adapt, and Jessica has demonstrated all three,” Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown said. “Her success at this early stage is impressive and reflects the entrepreneurial spirit we celebrate through this award.”

Pittman plans to continue growing the retail and design businesses while expanding the company’s online reach.

“Although we have accomplished a great deal in a short time, we believe we are only at the beginning of what J. Pittman Interiors can become,” Pittman said.

For more information about J. Pittman Interiors, visit jpittmaninteriors.com. To learn more about the Alabama Retail Association and its Retailer of the Year program, visit alabamaretail.org.