BIRMINGHAM, AL (November 6, 2026) – Caldwell County Economic Development has partnered with Retail Strategies, a national retail recruitment and economic development firm, to build a strategic approach to attracting new retail, restaurant, and service businesses to the county. The partnership will focus on Caldwell County’s smaller municipalities and unincorporated areas, complementing Retail Strategies’ long-standing work with the City of Lenoir.
While manufacturing has long anchored the local economy, Caldwell County residents frequently travel to neighboring counties to shop, dine, and spend their leisure time. Through this partnership, the county aims to identify retail gaps, better understand where local spending is going, and proactively recruit businesses that fit the community. Residents have voiced strong interest in additional national retailers, sit-down restaurants, specialty grocers, fitness concepts, and family-friendly entertainment.
“Our department has historically focused on industrial recruitment, so this partnership allows us to bring the same level of strategy to retail,” said Kayla Milburn, Project Manager at Caldwell County Economic Development. “Our residents have been clear about the types of businesses they want closer to home. Working with Retail Strategies gives us the data and the relationships to pursue those opportunities, keep more spending in Caldwell County, and improve quality of life for the people who live here.”
Retail Strategies will begin with a discovery phase that includes an analysis of the county’s trade areas, consumer spending, and retail leakage, along with an assessment of potential development sites. That research will guide a targeted recruitment effort in which the Retail Strategies team represents Caldwell County directly to retailers, restaurant groups, developers, and brokers, including at national industry events.
“Caldwell County has a lot going for it: a strong manufacturing workforce, access to US 321 and US 64, and the Blue Ridge Mountains right in its backyard,” said Lacey Bacchus, Senior Director of Community Partnerships at Retail Strategies. “Our job is to take that story to the retailers and developers who need to hear it. Retail Strategies is excited to help bring retail amenities to help the County continue to attract and retain its workforce and residents.”
Caldwell County Economic Development is also pursuing infrastructure investments, including a proposed sewer extension to the Foothills Regional Airport area, that could open additional properties for commercial and residential development along the US 64 corridor.
About Retail Strategies
Retail Strategies is the national expert in retail recruitment and community development. Our mission is to provide the real estate expertise, tools, and human effort that position deserving communities as attractive locations for retailers, restaurants, and commercial investment. Acting as an extension of local staff, Retail Strategies combines market analysis, retail outreach, and industry relationships to help communities recruit businesses that strengthen local economies and improve quality of life. Retail Strategies has partnered with more than 1,000 communities across the United States to turn retail opportunities into real economic development outcomes.
