FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Courtney Hall
Retail Strategies
chall@retailstrategies.com
BIRMINGHAM, AL (September 16, 2024) – The Town of Gurley, a rapidly growing area located just outside Huntsville, Alabama, recently participated in Retail Academy, a retail education program developed by Retail Strategies. The event, held on July 23 and 24 at Retail Strategies’ headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama, equipped city leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to attract and develop retail opportunities.
Mayor Simpson of Gurley emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Attending Retail Academy is a crucial step for our town in crafting a proactive retail development strategy. This training will guide our future development efforts and help us capitalize on the high growth potential of our area. We are committed to creating a thriving community with diverse retail options that meet the needs of our residents.”
During the two-day program, attendees from Gurley received a comprehensive market analysis, identified retail and restaurant matches suitable for the city, and developed a tailored retail recruitment plan. Additionally, they underwent training on proactive outreach to expanding businesses, ensuring they are well-prepared to attract new retailers to the area.
“Understanding the retail real estate timeline and the data required to successfully attract new retailers is vital for any city’s growth. Our goal is to empower town leaders with the knowledge and strategies needed to make informed decisions and drive economic development,” said Lacey Bacchus, Senior Director of Community Partnerships at Retail Strategies.
The Town of Gurley’s participation in Retail Academy reflects its commitment to strategic growth and development, leveraging the expertise and resources provided by Retail Strategies to enhance its retail landscape. As Huntsville continues to be the fastest-growing city in Alabama, Gurley is poised to benefit from its proximity, aiming to become a key retail destination in the region.
This fall, town leaders will utilize their training and marketing materials at two retail real estate industry events. At ICSC Local Huntsville and ICSC Southeast in Atlanta, city representatives will network with brokers, developers, and retailers involved in regional retail and restaurant development. Their goal is to showcase opportunities available in the community.
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.
