I agree with Machka. What's your business plan?
Where exactly are you planning to open a store? I'm in Huntsville, Alabama. All the major brands are covered here. I would assume it to be the same in Birmingham. Not sure about Montgomery but Tuscaloosa is a University town and when I was there at least, had two shops that kept students covered.
A bike shop should have all the bases covered and that usually means going with a big name that makes all types of bikes. Like a Trek or Giant or Specialized or Cannondale. Then maybe adding a niche player or two, one that covers your target customers and/or your high-end ones. Cervelo or Titus or Electra, if your customers are high end roadies, mountain bikers, or city street cruisers.
And of course, every shop has a QBP catalog and so can carry Surly products.
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