Zion, Illinois
A Retail Journey
Zion, Illinois, significantly advanced its retail landscape by partnering with Retail Strategies, overcoming initial retail recruitment challenges through Sonolito Bronson‘s leadership. This alliance became pivotal, leveraging Retail Strategies’ expertise, connections, and comprehensive retail recruitment strategy.
A Retail Journey
Choosing a Collaborative Partner
It was at the ICSC Vegas conference that the team from Zion connected with Retail Strategies, aligning on the city’s staffing, resource, and networking challenges. Despite considering various consultants, Retail Strategies emerged as the clear choice.
Bronson notes, “Retail Strategies became an indispensable extension of our city staff. Given the multiple hats I wear at City Hall, from zoning to licensing and administrative support, their expertise and established networks are vital in articulating our city’s potential to developers and brokers.“
Key areas of focus
Attracted major retailers like Starbucks and Popeyes, filling critical vacancies and enhancing sales tax revenues.
Established vital connections with developers and brokers, leveraging Retail Strategies’ networks for city promotion.
Implemented a data-driven approach to retail recruitment, culminating in five development projects that significantly boosted the local economy and quality of life.
Developing a Retail Recruitment Strategy
The initial three-year partnership with Retail Strategies was dedicated to meticulous data collection, fostering relationships with local property owners and key retailers, and a comprehensive retail recruitment strategy development. Zion’s staff bridged the introduction to key stakeholders, allowing Retail Strategies to immerse themselves in the fabric of the community, and effectively showcasing Zion at key trade events like ICSC Chicago and ICSC Las Vegas.
Bronson reflects, “While positive retailer feedback was immediate, the timing for development was not yet aligned. Nevertheless, connections were formed.”
In the fifth year, the tide turned dramatically. The diligent groundwork culminated in a surge of retailer interest in Zion.
The Retail Expansion Breakthrough
In the fifth year, the tide turned dramatically. The diligent groundwork culminated in a surge of retailer interest in Zion.
“We started receiving inquiries for demographics and property details all at once,” Bronson recalls. “Now in our ninth year, we have massive results with five development projects, with plans for more in the pipeline.”
Significant wins include new establishments like Starbucks and Popeyes that enhance not only sales tax revenues, but quality of life for residents and tourists in Zio.
Notably, a former Applebee’s restaurant sat vacant on the main retail corridor in Zion. With an aggressive outreach strategy, the team was able to backfill the prime location with a Physicians Immediate Care.
Trusted Retail Partner
The partnership delivers more than recruitment—it’s a gateway to strategic real estate insights, positioning the city to meet site selectors’ expectations. The newly elected Mayor has also benefited from this relationship, gaining knowledge to further support and accelerate Zion’s retail momentum.
“We receive real estate advice from our team at Retail Strategies – they have the inside knowledge of what site selectors are looking for and what they’re not interested in. Our Mayor was recently elected and now he’s been educated on the retail development process and he can be more proactive and supportive of our momentum,” said Bronson.
When asked what advice she would give to other community leaders, Bronson stated: