Resource

Recruit Retail in 5 Steps

published: January 5, 2026
3:31 pm

How to Start Attracting New Businesses to Your Town

Download our free resource to attract the right businesses and build a thriving community.

Retail has changed, and so have the expectations placed on communities competing for new businesses. Retailers today evaluate markets carefully, relying on data, site readiness, and clear communication when considering expansion. For local government leaders, knowing how to position a community for success can feel complex, but it does not have to be.

New retail investment continues to deliver measurable benefits, including sales tax growth, job creation, and a stronger quality of life for residents. Communities that succeed take a proactive and consistent approach to retail recruitment, supported by clear priorities and a defined strategy.

This guide outlines five practical steps your community can take to become retail ready and establish a clear path for attracting retail and restaurant development.

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What do you need?

John Feary

City Manager

Claremore, OK

Service: Small Business Support

We are excited to have a turnkey program that supports all sectors — retail services, restaurants, traditional retail, and landlords. This platform will empower our small business owners with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

Andrea de la Rosa

Assistant Director of Small Business Development

City of Bloomington

Service: Retail Strategies

I really enjoyed the meeting with Laura Marinos and Jennifer Gregory of Retail Strategies! They were very informative and supportive. They gave me so much information and tips for taking my business to the next level in the marketing area where I lack tremendously. I finally decided on a new name so I will be putting their tools into action soon!

Stacy Grant

Business Owner

Youngstown OH

Service: Retail Strategies

Retail Strategies has been an incredible asset to both my clients and me in deal-making. Their folks do a great job of listening to retailers’ requirements and providing value. They’ve proven to be a strong conduit between municipalities and retailers supporting growth through connections.

Casey Smallwood

SVP, Managing Principal & Market Leader, SRS Real Estate Partners

Service: Retail Strategies

I would highly recommend Retail Strategies. They have been a great partner to the Hendry County Economic Development Council in our recruitment efforts to bring more retail opportunities to the county. Their experience, knowledge, and relationships throughout the retail community combined with their friendly approach has made them a valued partner in our community’s growth efforts.

Keitha Daniels

Executive Director of the Hendry County Economic Development Council

Hendry County, Florida

Service: Downtown Strategies

The thing that we really liked about Retail Strategies is that they work together with you and the community. We had to put together an executive committee that consists of some town employees, officials, some citizens and plus myself from the chamber. Retail Strategies has a very diverse background. They have people that are from economic development, they have people that were realtors, they have people that are downtown development directors, people that are in tourism, people that are in retail, so they really have all avenues.

Recruit Retail in 5 Steps