BIRMINGHAM, AL (February 12, 2026) – Retail Strategies, the nation’s leading retail recruitment and economic development consulting firm, announces a new partnership with the City of Tavares, Florida to focus on attracting retail and restaurant businesses to the growing Lake County community. This engagement builds on a long-standing relationship that began when city leadership participated in Retail Strategies’ signature Retail Academy training program in 2019.
The City of Tavares is now taking the next step by outsourcing its retail recruitment efforts to Retail Strategies’ team of experts, who will provide comprehensive market analysis, targeted outreach to retail and restaurant brands, and strategic guidance to help the city capitalize on development opportunities.
The partnership allows Tavares to leverage Retail Strategies’ extensive network of retail and commercial real estate relationships, sophisticated market intelligence tools, and proven track record of successful retail recruitment across hundreds of communities nationwide.
“I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and insight during Retail Academy, and I look forward to taking this partnership to the next level,” said Bob Tweedie, Economic Development Director for the City of Tavares. “Having Retail Strategies working alongside us on retail recruitment will accelerate our efforts and help us achieve our economic development goals.”
Retail Strategies will work closely with city leadership to identify target retailers, develop compelling marketing materials, and execute strategic outreach campaigns designed to showcase Tavares’ market opportunity and quality of life advantages.
“There is tremendous opportunity in Tavares, and we’re excited to extend our long-time partnership with the city,” said Sarah Beth Stewart of Retail Strategies. “We’ve watched this community grow and evolve since we first worked with their team in 2019, and we’re honored to play a more active role in helping them attract the retail and restaurant development that will serve their community for years to come.”
Located in Lake County, Tavares serves as the county seat and is known as “America’s Seaplane City” for its unique waterfront character along Lake Dora.
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 with unmatched real estate and community development expertise. Our activities pay a return in sales taxes, added jobs, and businesses that enhance and add to the unique qualities of your community.
