Texas City Officials Complete Retail Academy Training to Accelerate Retail Recruitment

published: March 9, 2026
7:38 pm

BIRMINGHAM, AL (March 9, 2026) – The Texas City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is taking a proactive step toward diversifying and growing the city’s retail landscape by partnering with national retail recruitment firm Retail Strategies. Representatives from Texas City EDC attended a two-day Retail Academy workshop in Fort Worth, Texas on March 4–5, gaining hands-on training, data-driven tools, and a customized strategy to actively recruit new retailers to the community.

“The Retail Academy was an incredible training experience,” said Kristin Edwards of the Texas City Economic Development Corporation. “I feel prepared with the right tools to start actively prospecting to new retailers and bringing the businesses our community is asking for.”

The Retail Academy equipped Texas City with mobile analytics, demographic insights, and targeted retailers to capitalize on a market that is ripe for growth and diversification.

“Texas City’s position in the booming Houston area makes them prime for new retail,” said Tyler Sudderth, Director of Community Partnerships at Retail Strategies. “The market fundamentals are strong, and with the tools and data from the Retail Academy, they are ready to go out and compete for the retailers their residents are asking for.”

New residential projects and a major retail center near Lagoon Fest Texas present timely opportunities to meet that demand and reinvigorate the city’s commercial corridors, including its downtown, where strategic redevelopment could drive foot traffic and support community events.

The timing of the Retail Academy partnership is particularly strategic. Texas City EDC will head into RetailLive! in Austin armed with a retail recruitment plan, compelling market data, and the confidence to make a strong impression on national and regional retail decision-makers.

About Retail Academy

Retail Academy is a program developed by the 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.

To learn more visit https://www.retailstrategies.com/retailacademy/.

What do you need?

John Feary

City Manager

Claremore, OK

Service: Small Business Support

We are excited to have a turnkey program that supports all sectors — retail services, restaurants, traditional retail, and landlords. This platform will empower our small business owners with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

Andrea de la Rosa

Assistant Director of Small Business Development

City of Bloomington

Service: Retail Strategies

I really enjoyed the meeting with Laura Marinos and Jennifer Gregory of Retail Strategies! They were very informative and supportive. They gave me so much information and tips for taking my business to the next level in the marketing area where I lack tremendously. I finally decided on a new name so I will be putting their tools into action soon!

Stacy Grant

Business Owner

Youngstown OH

Service: Retail Strategies

Retail Strategies has been an incredible asset to both my clients and me in deal-making. Their folks do a great job of listening to retailers’ requirements and providing value. They’ve proven to be a strong conduit between municipalities and retailers supporting growth through connections.

Casey Smallwood

SVP, Managing Principal & Market Leader, SRS Real Estate Partners

Service: Retail Strategies

I would highly recommend Retail Strategies. They have been a great partner to the Hendry County Economic Development Council in our recruitment efforts to bring more retail opportunities to the county. Their experience, knowledge, and relationships throughout the retail community combined with their friendly approach has made them a valued partner in our community’s growth efforts.

Keitha Daniels

Executive Director of the Hendry County Economic Development Council

Hendry County, Florida

Service: Downtown Strategies

The thing that we really liked about Retail Strategies is that they work together with you and the community. We had to put together an executive committee that consists of some town employees, officials, some citizens and plus myself from the chamber. Retail Strategies has a very diverse background. They have people that are from economic development, they have people that were realtors, they have people that are downtown development directors, people that are in tourism, people that are in retail, so they really have all avenues.