The city of Pine Bluff recently hired Retail Strategies, a leading economic development consulting firm, to enhance the city’s retail and restaurant landscape.
This partnership, initiated through the Department of Economic and Community Development, focuses on attracting new businesses and revitalizing the local economy, according to a news release.
“We are confident that working with Retail Strategies will bring a new wave of growth and opportunities to our city,” said Mayor Shirley Washington. “Their real estate expertise and proven approach to bringing new retail development to communities will be instrumental in achieving our economic goals and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.”
Retail Strategies’ approach to meet Pine Bluff’s economic development goals includes:
Market analysis — Comprehensive evaluation of the city’s market potential.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Development of a “results driven” retail and restaurant recruitment plan — Tailored strategies to attract businesses that align with the city’s customer profile.
Implementation of the plan — Active outreach and engagement with targeted retailers and restaurants.
Marketing and representation — Promoting Pine Bluff as an attractive destination for business investment.
“Through our work with retail and restaurant companies, we know that they are eager to open new locations especially in second-generation space,” said Clay Craft, vice president of client services at Retail Strategies. “Our team is eager to dig into real estate in Pine Bluff to find those spaces.”
“One of our initial focuses will be to implement strategies to reactivate and reimagine The Pines mall, which is an enclosed and largely vacant mall in Pine Bluff. This prime location has great potential for revitalization and attracting a mix of uses that match the city’s consumer profile,” Craft said.
Retail Strategies is the national expert in community development and retail economic development, according to the news release.
The agency’s 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.
The Pine Bluff City Council unanimously approved a resolution in May authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement with Retail Strategies.
The resolution proposes a plan to revitalize Pine Bluff’s economy by attracting new retail stores and restaurants. The city aims to provide a vibrant retail sales experience and greater dining options to its residents. A consulting firm specializing in economic development will work with the city to develop strategies and attract new businesses. The city has advertised for proposals from qualified firms and has allocated an annual consulting fee of $45,000 for three years. This initiative is intended to stimulate the local economy and enhance the quality of life for residents in Pine Bluff, according to the May 26 article in The Commercial.
For more information, visit https://www.cityofpinebluff-ar.gov/ or www.retailstrategies.com.