BIRMINGHAM, AL (March 16, 2026) – The City of Cottonwood has selected Retail Strategies, a national economic development consulting firm, to provide comprehensive retail recruitment services designed to enhance the city’s commercial offerings and attract new retail investment.
“I have worked with Retail Strategies in my previous community, and we saw much success with the partnership. In my opinion, they are the premier firm in retail recruitment and will represent Cottonwood’s interests very well,” said Mario Cifuentez, City Manager for the City of Cottonwood.
Through this partnership, Retail Strategies will leverage its national network of retail brokers, developers, and site selectors to identify and pursue retail prospects aligned with Cottonwood’s market opportunities. The engagement focuses on elevating the city’s existing retail foundation to the next level.
“Cottonwood is the economic hub for the Verde Valley,” said Michelle Kostecki, Tourism & Economic Development Manager for the City of Cottonwood. “We’re going to lean on Retail Strategies’ real estate connections and expertise to bring new retail development to our city that reflects the strong market we already have.”
Retail Strategies will conduct detailed economic and demographic analysis, develop a targeted marketing and outreach strategy to attract new businesses, and provide ongoing broker and developer engagement for site selection and retail attraction. The firm will also work with the city to identify opportunity sites and create marketing materials to position Cottonwood to prospective retailers.
“Cottonwood is a desirable city with a strong retail market, and our team is thrilled to be their partner,” said Tyler Sudderth, Director of Community Partnerships for Retail Strategies. “We’re confident our national connections and market-driven approach will help the city attract the quality retail investment it’s seeking.”
Retail Strategies has worked with communities throughout Arizona and maintains active partnerships across the Southwest, bringing local market expertise combined with national retail industry connections.
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 towns as alluring locations for national businesses and destinations for tourism and quality-of-life amenities. We confidently pursue this mission by delivering unparalleled customer service as a unified team with unmatched real estate and community development expertise. Our activities pay a return in sales taxes, added jobs, and businesses that enhance and add to the unique qualities of your community.
