BIRMINGHAM, AL (February 2, 2026) – The City of Gering has engaged Retail Strategies, a national leader in retail recruitment and economic development consulting, to strengthen its retail sector and capture sales currently lost to neighboring communities. The partnership, funded through the Nebraska’s LB840 economic development program, comes as Gering experiences significant residential growth and increased developer interest.
“We would like to grow our retail business base, increase sales tax revenues, and reduce the amount of leakage to other communities,” said Pat Heath, Gering City Administrator. “For many years, we’ve been viewed as more of a bedroom community and we would like to be able to capitalize on the purchases our residents make. Retail Strategies’ track record as a leader in the retail recruitment space made them the natural choice to help us achieve these goals.”
The city is poised for substantial expansion, with a new development beginning in 2026 that will deliver 44 housing units in its first phase. The developer controls 40 acres with plans to construct approximately 300 residential units over the next decade, creating a growing consumer base that Gering aims to serve locally.
“With new housing growth and a lot of interest in the market from local developers, our team is excited to hit the ground running,” said John Tiedt, Retail Strategies’ Director of Community Partnerships. “Gering has the infrastructure and momentum in place to attract quality retailers who can serve this expanding population.”
To support commercial development, Gering offers gap financing through additional LB840 funds and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) availability in most commercial zones, providing developers and retailers with financial tools to make projects viable.
Retail Strategies will conduct comprehensive market analysis, identify retail opportunities, and facilitate connections between the city and prospective retailers and developers.
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.
