FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Courtney Hall
Retail Strategies
chall@retailstrategies.com
BIRMINGHAM, AL (July 8, 2024) – The Roanoke region economic development entities are excited to announce a new partnership with Retail Strategies, a leader in retail recruitment and development, to bolster its efforts in attracting top-tier retail businesses to the cities of Roanoke and Salem and to Roanoke County.
This strategic collaboration will focus on propelling the next wave of retail into the region and implementing innovative strategies to revitalize key commercial spaces. The team from the Roanoke region will work hand-in-hand with the retail recruitment team at Retail Strategies on aligning the best available real estate in the region with interested businesses looking at the region for a new location.
“The Roanoke region is taking a collective and holistic approach to bringing in new retail to the region. By working on our major commercial corridors together, we feel like that gives the region the best opportunity to attract new businesses,” said Megan Baker, director of economic development for Roanoke County. “Bringing in Retail Strategies, with their deep understanding of the retail landscape and their extensive network of retail decision-makers, is crucial for our efforts.”
Retail Strategies will work to attract new restaurant tenants, providing residents and visitors with diverse dining options to the region, acting as a matchmaker between its national network of retail and restaurant professionals and local property owners in the region.
“By leveraging Retail Strategies’ comprehensive network and industry connections, we can effectively showcase the competitive advantages of the region for the purpose of retail attraction,” said Marc Nelson, director of economic development for the city of Roanoke. “We understand that retail recruitment is a lengthy process, especially given the current market conditions, so having Retail Strategies’ insights into market trends enables us to have a consistent, ongoing rapport with retailers about the region and what we have to offer.”
The initiative will not only enhance the retail and dining options available in the region but will also create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for its residents. Retail Strategies will represent and advocate for the Roanoke region in the retail market, positioning it as an attractive location for both new businesses and economic opportunities.
“A crucial aspect for getting retail and restaurants to open a new location is finding the right real estate, be it an existing building or land to be developed. By taking a regional approach to retail recruitment, the Retail Strategies team has more real estate options to pitch to interested businesses,” said Tommy Miller, economic development director for the city of Salem. “We think that will be a huge advantage in the long run.”
Sarah Beth Stewart, a Vice President at Retail Strategies, shared her enthusiasm about the potential impacts of this partnership, “The Roanoke region holds significant untapped potential for retail growth. Our team is committed to unlocking this potential by leveraging our expertise and relationships to attract a dynamic mix of retailers and restaurateurs to the area.”
About the Roanoke Region
The Roanoke region, located in the heart of Southwest Virginia, is a thriving region known for its beautiful landscapes, strong economic growth, and strategic location along Virginia’s Southwest Region. As a hub of commerce and industry in the region, the county is home to a diverse economy that includes healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and technology sectors. The Roanoke region is committed to fostering a business-friendly environment that supports innovation and development, making it an ideal place for both new and expanding businesses. With its rich cultural heritage, excellent educational institutions, and commitment to quality of life, the region continues to attract and retain skilled workers and enterprises, driving forward its vision for economic prosperity and community well-being.
For additional information, visit:
https://www.roanokecountyva.gov
https://salemva.gov/179/Economic-Development
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.
