BIRMINGHAM, AL (August 14, 2026) – The City of Ripley, Mississippi has partnered with Retail Strategies to build and execute a long term retail recruitment strategy for the community. The partnership gives the city access to a dedicated team of retail real estate professionals, market data and analytics, and direct relationships with retailers, restaurants, brokers, and developers across the Southeast.
Retail Strategies will provide Ripley with a customized retail analysis of the market, identify target businesses that fit the community’s trade area, and represent the city at national and regional retail conferences and in one on one meetings with decision makers.
“Retail Strategies has a strong reputation and the connections in this region that we simply don’t have on our own,” said Mayor Jon Grisham. “This is about quality of life for our citizens. People in Ripley want more restaurant and shopping options close to home, and they shouldn’t have to drive out of town to get them. This partnership is a real step toward keeping those dollars and those experiences here. I’ve spoken with other Mayors from around the state who have had great success partnering with Retail Strategies, and their positive experiences have given me and our aldermen even more confidence in this decision.”
The partnership comes as the state moves forward with a bypass and the widening of Highway 15 connecting Ripley to New Albany, a project the city expects will improve access and open new commercial opportunities along the corridor.
“When Mayor Grisham and I first talked, he already understood what the Highway 15 project meant for Ripley,” said Lacey Bacchus, Senior Director of Community Partnerships for Retail Strategies. “He knew the bypass and widening would bring commercial growth opportunities, and he wanted the city to be ready for it rather than reacting to it after the fact. That kind of forward thinking is what makes a partnership like this work. We’re excited to get to work telling Ripley’s story to the retailers and developers who need to hear it.”
About Retail Strategies
Retail Strategies is the national expert in retail recruitment and community development. Our mission is to provide the real estate expertise, tools, and human effort that position deserving communities as attractive locations for retailers, restaurants, and commercial investment. Acting as an extension of local staff, Retail Strategies combines market analysis, retail outreach, and industry relationships to help communities recruit businesses that strengthen local economies and improve quality of life. Retail Strategies has partnered with more than 1,000 communities across the United States to turn retail opportunities into real economic development outcomes.
