Two Covington County businesses were notified this week that they are among the winners of the 2014 Alabama Retailer of the Year awards.

Darby’s Village Pharmacy in Andalusia and J.R.’s Lawnmower Shop in Opp are among this year’s winners. Each business was notified this week by the Alabama Retail Association that it had won either the gold, silver or bronze award in their respective size categories.

David Darby, who with his wife, Laura, owns Darby’s Village Pharmacy and Medical Center Pharmacy, expressed his appreciation for both the nomination, and the support received.

“I would like to thank all of our associates and our customers for making this happen,” Darby said. “It is an honor to work with you and for you.”

Joe Richburg, owner of J.R.’s, was practically speechless last week when he learned his business was among the 41 finalists. When he received an email this week notifying him that J.R.’s was a winner, he was over the moon.

Richburg has been in business since 1986.

Chrissie Duffy, executive director of the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce, said she has been told that having two finalists from the area “was nothing short of a coup.”

“We should be very proud,” Duffy said.

The Alabama Retail Association will announce whether winners are gold, silver or bronze level winners at a luncheon in Birmingham on Sept. 23. Gov. Robert Bentley will be the keynote speaker at that event.

Winners are selected in four categories by sales volume:

• Less than $1 million

• $1 million to $5 million

• $5 million to $20 million

• More than $20 million