BIRMINGHAM, AL (December 23, 2025) – The City of Minden has completed Retail Academy, a comprehensive retail recruitment training program designed to equip economic development professionals with the tools and strategies needed to attract quality retailers and restaurants to their communities.
The two-part training, which was held virtually on December 4 and in-person in Minden on December 15, provided city leaders with advanced retail market analysis, site assessment techniques, and targeted prospect outreach strategies. The program comes as Minden prepares to attend the ICSC Red River Conference in February 2026.
“This training is critical as we prepare for ICSC Red River next year,” said Sarah Overall, Economic Development Director for the City of Minden. “The Retail Academy program gives us the tools we need to tell a compelling, data-driven pitch to expanding retailers. Beyond conference preparation, Retail Academy has trained our team on how to sustain retail attraction efforts long-term. We’re ready to be more proactive and professional in our retail recruitment efforts.”
The Retail Academy program provides participants with real estate expertise and practical tools for retail recruitment, including:
- Retail market analysis, including mobile data insights and consumer spending patterns
- Trade area retail leakage and focus categories for recruitment
- Real estate assessment identifying sites for development/redevelopment, backfill, infill, and highest and best use
- Targeted prospect list of stores, restaurants, franchises, and developers that match the community
- Specific outreach methods, tools, templates, and best practices for targeted prospects
- Marketing materials to promote the community to prospects
“Minden has tremendous appeal for expanding retailers, with strong demographics and a strategic location,” said Madeline Farr, Director of Retail Academy at Retail Strategies. “What sets successful communities apart is having city leaders who take a proactive approach to retail recruitment. Minden’s commitment to this training demonstrates that they understand that attracting quality retail requires professional preparation, market knowledge, and relationship-building. We’re excited to support their recruitment efforts.”
The Retail Academy program spans 12 months and includes ongoing support from Retail Strategies team of real estate professionals who provide market intelligence, prospect research, and strategic guidance.
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.
To learn more visit https://www.retailstrategies.com/retailacademy/.
