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About Academy
Retail Education

How it started

Retail Academy is a program developed from 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 necessary to attract new retailers to their markets, while providing support to their existing local businesses.

Tennessee Development Districts won a National Innovation Award at the “49th Annual National Association of Development Organizations Conference” in San Antonio for launching Retail Academy.

Testimonials

How it works

Retail Academy is designed to empower community leaders with retail and real estate knowledge to proactively attract new retail businesses. 

Over 12 months, community leaders receive personalized training and a customized recruitment strategy geared to a list of top retail business prospects.

The Retail Academy workshop is delivered in person at your office, our office, or a regional center for group academies. 

AND/OR

We have an online portal with dozens of resources, videos, and customized course materials. 

  • Market Analysis for Local Trade Area
  • Real Estate Analysis and Site Ranking
  • Marketing Flyer customized for retailers
  • Educational training workshop + 12 months of resources
marketing flier for services

Workshop

Engage in real-time discussions with industry trailblazers, retailers, tenant representatives, and developers to gain a deeper understanding of the market dynamics.

Online

Participate in our online on-demand learning portal. With over 30 hours of video, dozens of downloadable resources, and support staff support the

Retail Academy Support

What people say

Retail Academy has given me the foundation to feel confident when reaching out to potential retailers and bringing them to our community.”

Justin Longino

Town Manager

  //  

Boiling Springs, North Carolina

My Retail Academy book stays on my desk. The research and market analysis were eye-opening. Of the eight prospects on our list, we have landed two of them so far. We had all the information ready when we connected with the retailer – that’s what made this so invaluable.”
Bob Largent, President & CEO, Harrison, Arkansas Regional Chamber of Commerce

Bob Largent

President & CEO, Harrison, Arkansas Regional Chamber of Commerce

  //  

Harrison, Arkansas

An investment in retail retention and recruitment can increase jobs, local tax revenue and quality of place. We want Tennessee communities to think long term about investing their ARPA dollars in a creative way versus merely spending them. This is the first-time localities have received a direct allocation of cash, and we are confident these communities will use the funding that will have a lasting impact.

Brooxie Carlton

Assistant Commissioner of Community and Rural Development

  //  

TNECD

“Retail Academy is an outstanding and comprehensive program that I would highly recommend. Retail Strategies provided us with a Retail Recruitment Plan identifying retailers that match our market. Their team also spent time giving us the tools and skills needed to execute the plan and support existing businesses in our area. We left the workshop with a better understanding of our market and greater relationships with the dedicated partners and leaders from the county.”

Mallory Darby

Vice President of Economic Development

  //  

Mississippi County, Arkansas

I would recommend any city take this course to improve their retail impact in recruiting for businesses to locate within their city!

Marlon Sams

City Manager

  //  

Corbin, Kentucky

The Retail Academy workshop was great. It was helpful and the motivation we needed to shift some focus from manufacturing recruitment to restaurant and retail. I think there is some great opportunity for us, we just have to go get it.

Clayton Stanley

President

  //  

Corinth, Mississippi Alliance

Learn More

Reach out to our director to learn more about our in-person or online courses.