BIRMINGHAM, AL (June 17, 2026) – Officials from the City of Powder Springs, Georgia, have completed a two-day Retail Academy training hosted by national retail recruitment firm Retail Strategies. The training took place March 10–11 in Birmingham, Alabama, equipping Powder Springs‘ development authority with the education, guidance, and resources needed to compete more strategically in the retail and restaurant attraction conversation.
Powder Springs, one of metro Atlanta’s fastest-growing suburban communities and the fastest-growing city in Cobb County, sits between two established retail corridors — a position that presents both a challenge and an opportunity for local economic development leaders. The Retail Academy partnership gives city officials the tools and framework to craft a proactive, data-driven approach to retail recruitment rather than waiting for the market to come to them.
“Being positioned between two very strong retail nodes means we have to be intentional and targeted in how we tell our story,” said Marsellas Williams, Economic Development Director for the City of Powder Springs. “Partnering with Retail Strategies gives us the data, connections, and marketing materials we need to make that strategic outreach. This training was a critical step in making sure we’re going after the right retailers and restaurants with the right message.”
Retail Strategies works with municipalities across the country to build retail recruitment programs that combine market data, retailer relationships, and customized marketing to drive commercial growth. The Retail Academy is a core component of that engagement, providing local leaders with hands-on training in retail site-selection fundamentals, trade-area analysis, and retailer outreach strategies.
“Powder Springs is primed for growth,” said Mill Graves, Vice President at Retail Strategies. “The demographics are strong, and as the fastest-growing city in Cobb County, the market fundamentals are there. This is a community that retailers and restaurants should be paying attention to, and we’re excited to help Powder Springs make sure they do.”
About Retail Academy
Retail Academy is a program developed by a 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 needed to attract new retailers to their markets while supporting their existing local businesses.
To learn more, visit https://www.retailstrategies.com/retailacademy/.
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, drawing on unmatched real estate and community development expertise. Our activities yield returns in sales taxes, additional jobs, and businesses that enhance the unique qualities of your community.
