BIRMINGHAM, AL (October 30, 2026) – The City of Clinton, Oklahoma has partnered with Retail Strategies, a national firm specializing in retail recruitment, to lead a citywide effort to attract new retailers, restaurants, and a grocery store to the community.
The partnership comes at a pivotal time for Clinton. Construction of the new I-40 Exit 65 interchange will make Gary Boulevard easier to reach for travelers and residents, and it is expected to open a significant amount of private property for commercial development.
Retail Strategies will work alongside city staff to market Clinton directly to retailers, restaurants, brokers, and developers, with an early focus on filling vacant buildings and lots along Gary Boulevard and around the new interchange. Residents have consistently asked for a grocery store, more dining and fast food options, and shopping such as men’s clothing and shoe stores, and those requests will help guide the recruitment strategy.
“Our top priority is filling our vacant buildings and lots with businesses that serve our residents and strengthen the city’s tax base,” said Fayne Sawatzky, Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Clinton. “Retail Strategies brings relationships with retailers, restaurants, and grocers that we simply couldn’t build on our own. At the same time, I’m working with our existing businesses to support their growth and development, because a strong local business community is just as important as attracting new ones. With the interchange coming online and sites ready for development, this is the right time to tell Clinton’s story to the brands our community has been asking for.”
Clinton’s location is one of its strongest assets. Situated on I-40 in western Oklahoma, the city serves shoppers from neighboring communities within a 15 to 30-minute drive. U.S. Highway 183, which runs north and south from Texas to Kansas, connects Clinton to smaller towns in both directions.
“Clinton has the kind of fundamentals retailers look for: interstate access, a regional draw, and a city that’s ready to work with them,” said Tyler Sudderth, Director of Community Partnerships for Retail Strategies. “The Exit 65 interchange is a game changer, and Fayne and the city have done the work to get sites ready. We’re excited to bring Clinton to the table with the right retailers and restaurants and help turn that momentum into new storefronts.”
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.
