FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Courtney Hall
Retail Strategies
chall@retailstrategies.com
BIRMINGHAM, AL (June 2, 2025) – The Decide DeKalb Development Authority, the economic development arm for DeKalb County, Georgia recently completed a Retail Academy training hosted by Retail Strategies in Birmingham, Alabama. This hands-on program is part of Decide DeKalb’s continued commitment to acquiring industry knowledge and applying data-driven strategies to support commercial growth across the county. Key learnings from the program will be used throughout the southern corridor of the county.
The daylong session provided the organization’s economic development and redevelopment teams with critical insights into local consumer data, retail and restaurant brand alignment, and available real estate assets. The training also focused on actionable approaches to recruiting and retaining businesses that fit the unique character and needs of DeKalb County.
“Decide DeKalb is deeply invested in learning and applying best-in-class tools to create lasting economic impact,” said Dorian DeBarr, President of Decide DeKalb. “This training equips us with targeted strategies to fill retail gaps, attract complementary businesses, and enhance quality of life for our residents.”
Retail Academy, led by the national retail recruitment firm Retail Strategies, empowers community leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to drive retail development.
“The Decide DeKalb team brought thoughtful engagement and a clear passion for elevating their community,” said Madeline Farr, Director of Retail Academy. “They’re well positioned to leverage what they’ve learned and make meaningful progress in their retail recruitment efforts.”
Decide DeKalb’s partnership with Retail Strategies will continue over the next year as part of a broader strategy to strengthen commercial corridors, support small businesses, and enhance access to goods and services throughout the county.
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.
