BIRMINGHAM, AL (January 29, 2026) – The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation has selected Retail Strategies, a national economic development consulting firm specializing in retail recruitment, to serve as the retail economic development arm of the EDC. The partnership represents a strategic expansion of the EDC’s comprehensive approach to economic development, integrating targeted retail and restaurant recruitment alongside the organization’s existing business attraction and retention services.
“We understand the importance of incorporating retail recruitment into a holistic economic development strategy,” said Orlando Campos, Chief Executive Officer of the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation. “Our goals for the Harlingen EDC include creating quality jobs, generating sales tax revenue, and improving quality of life for our residents. Retail plays an important part in achieving those objectives. Bringing on Retail Strategies is a strategic position we’re taking for retail attraction, and we’re excited to leverage their expertise and network to bring new retail and dining options to Harlingen.”
The Harlingen EDC focuses on recruiting new companies to establish operations in Harlingen, assisting companies with relocation and site selection, and providing access to available incentives. The addition of Retail Strategies enhances the EDC’s ability to deliver comprehensive economic development services by incorporating specialized retail recruitment expertise into its strategy.
“Harlingen holds a very attractive position in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Tyler Sudderth, Director of Community Partnerships for Retail Strategies. “The city benefits from strong regional population growth, strategic location, and an exceptionally competitive cost structure. We’re excited to work with the Harlingen EDC leadership to capitalize on these advantages and bring new retail investment to the market.”
Retail Strategies will begin by conducting comprehensive market analysis to understand Harlingen’s demographic trends, population growth patterns, and retail opportunities. The team will identify retail and restaurant brands that are strong fits for the market and execute an ongoing retail recruitment strategy. In February, Retail Strategies will represent Harlingen at ICSC Red River in San Antonio, connecting EDC leadership with brokers, developers, and expanding retail brands throughout Texas.
Located in the central region of the Rio Grande Valley at the intersection of U.S. Route 77 and U.S. Route 83, Harlingen is the fifth-largest city in the region with a population of approximately 72,000. Recently ranked the #1 least expensive urban area in the United States, Harlingen offers businesses a competitive cost structure and access to one of the nation’s fastest-growing markets.
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.
