Anson County Leaders Complete Retail Academy Training to Strengthen Commercial Development Strategy

BIRMINGHAM, AL (November 19, 2025) – Anson County officials completed a comprehensive Retail Academy training program on November 11-12, gaining specialized knowledge and resources to enhance retail recruitment efforts in this rural North Carolina community of approximately 22,000 residents.

The two-day intensive program, held in Anson County with a primary focus on the Town of Wadesboro, provided county leaders with data-driven strategies for attracting retail and restaurant businesses to complement the area’s outdoor recreation and agriculture-based economy.

“Our office handles commercial development and retail recruitment for Anson County, and we wanted to bring the Retail Academy team here to educate and empower our county leaders on the right retail strategy to grow our community,” said Len Sossamon, Anson County Manager. “This training gives us the foundation we need to be more strategic and effective in our approach.”

Madeline Farr, Director of Retail Academy, emphasized the program’s practical focus. “Having access to the right market data is essential for attracting retail development, but what’s equally important is understanding how to pitch the right real estate opportunities to the right retail and restaurant brands,” Farr said. “We’re equipping Anson County leaders with both the knowledge and the confidence to make those connections successfully.”

Through the Retail Academy program, Anson County officials gained:

• In-depth consumer spending patterns and market data analysis specific to their community
• Expertise in evaluating and identifying optimal sites for retail development throughout the county
• Access to industry-leading databases for connecting with retail real estate professionals and site selectors
• Hands-on training in conducting strategic outreach to growing restaurant and retail brands, commercial brokers, and developers

The Retail Academy is designed to help communities of all sizes develop professional retail recruitment capabilities and build sustainable strategies for commercial growth.

About Retail Academy

Retail Academy is a program developed by the leading national retail advisory firm, Retail Strategies. The program assists communities in strengthening their retail landscape. Communities will be trained and equipped with the tools and education necessary to attract new retailers to their markets, while providing support to their existing local businesses.