Dawn Kent

First look inside Birmingham's new Nordstrom Rack store (photo gallery)

al.com — BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Nordstrom is preparing to open its first location in Alabama this week, and some shoppers got a preview of the new Birmingham store today. The Seattle-based high-end retailer is entering the state with a Nordstrom Rack store, a discount concept with merchandise from Nordstrom stores that is priced 30 to 70 percent off, according to the company.

Attention Alabama shoppers: What's on your retail wish list? (poll)

al.com — As Nordstrom opens its first Alabama location this week, we're thinking about other retailers that don't have a presence in the state, or perhaps a limited one. How about the iconic home store IKEA or the funky grocer Trader Joe's?

First look inside Birmingham's new Nordstrom Rack store (photo gallery)

al.com — BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Nordstrom is preparing to open its first location in Alabama this week, and some shoppers got a preview of the new Birmingham store today. The Seattle-based high-end retailer is entering the state with a Nordstrom Rack store, a discount concept with merchandise from Nordstrom stores that is priced 30 to 70 percent off, according to the company.

First Alabama-built Acura debuts at Honda's plant and could make way for more (photos, video)

al.com — LINCOLN, Alabama -- Honda's Alabama operations today celebrated the start of mass production of the 2014 Acura MDX SUV, an achievement that could open the door for the Talladega County factory to take on more models from the Japanese automaker's luxury brand.

Dawn_Kent: Preparing for the lineoff of ...

twitter.com — Preparing for the lineoff of the 2014 Acura MDX, first Acura built in Alabama. pic.twitter.com/rO0UKD1kN5

Alabama-made auto sales rise 10.4 percent as industry heads for best April in six years

al.com — U.S. sales of vehicles produced in Alabama rose 10.4 percent last month, a strong showing for the state industry that also was seen nationwide. The numbers are still being tallied this afternoon, but total U.S. auto sales are headed toward their best April since 2007.

Mercedes-Benz moves forward with $70 million, 600-job expansion

al.com — Mercedes-Benz will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking Wednesday for the latest expansion at its Alabama auto plant: a 900,000-square-foot parts consolidation center. The facility will create about 600 jobs, although plans are still being finalized and it's not clear how many of those people will be employed by Mercedes or its contractors and service providers.