BIRMINGHAM, AL (July 9, 2026) — Retail Strategies has been named a finalist in the 2026 Birmingham Business Journal Best Places to Work Awards, marking another year of recognition for the company’s employee-first culture as it celebrates 15 years of serving communities across the country. The finalists were announced by the Birmingham Business Journal, with winners to be recognized later this summer.
Since its founding in 2011, Retail Strategies has grown from a Birmingham startup into a national leader in retail recruitment, downtown revitalization, and community development, partnering with more than 1,000 communities across the United States. Throughout that growth, the company has remained committed to fostering a workplace built on collaboration, service, professional development, and a shared purpose: helping communities create stronger local economies through retail recruitment. This mission and positioning are central to the company’s brand and culture.
“Fifteen years ago, we set out to build more than a successful company—we wanted to build a place where talented people could do meaningful work alongside teammates they genuinely enjoy,” said Robert Jolly, CEO and co-founder of Retail Strategies. “Being recognized as a Best Places to Work finalist is especially meaningful because it reflects the experiences of our employees. Our culture has always been our competitive advantage. When people feel supported, trusted, and connected to a shared mission, they do their best work, and that translates directly into better outcomes for the communities we serve.”
Retail Strategies’ work has expanded significantly over the past 15 years, with dedicated service lines supporting retail recruitment, downtown revitalization, the Retail Academy, and small-business support. The company’s team of retail real estate professionals, community development experts, and marketing specialists serves municipalities, counties, downtown organizations, and economic development agencies nationwide by combining market intelligence, industry relationships, and real estate expertise to recruit businesses that strengthen local economies.
The Birmingham Business Journal’s Best Places to Work program recognizes employers that excel in creating positive workplace cultures through confidential employee surveys measuring leadership, communication, trust, engagement, and overall employee satisfaction.
As Retail Strategies marks its 15th anniversary, company leadership says the recognition reflects an ongoing commitment to investing in its people and to helping communities transform market opportunities into new retail investment.
“Our success has always started with our team,” Jolly said. “The relationships we’ve built with each other, with our community partners, and throughout the retail real estate industry have made the last 15 years possible. We’re grateful for this recognition and excited about what’s ahead.”
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About Retail Strategies
Retail Strategies is the national expert in community development and retail economic development. Our mission is to provide the real estate expertise, tools, and human effort that position deserving communities as attractive locations for national businesses and destinations for quality-of-life amenities. Acting as an extension of community staff, Retail Strategies combines market data, retail real estate expertise, and national industry relationships to recruit businesses that strengthen local economies and generate long-term community impact.
