Topics:

Downtown

Event Details

Developing Retail in Your Downtown

Retail is one of the most visible—and challenging—elements of a downtown. While communities often focus on what businesses they’ve lost, successful districts instead ask what kind of retail ecosystem fits today—and how to support it intentionally.

Join us for this professional development forum designed for organizations—rather than individual retailers—that play a role in shaping downtown retail success. This forum focuses on organizational strategies, programming, and partnerships that help communities strengthen existing businesses, recruit the right new retail, and create an environment where retail can thrive.

Participants will explore how to:

  • Assess the feasibility of retail in their own downtown
  • Use market data to guide decisions
  • Support and retain current retailers through intentional programming
  • Increase foot traffic and cross-promotion
  • Recruit and prepare spaces for future retail
  • Respond to evolving retail trends in small and mid-sized communities

The forum blends best practices, real-world examples, discussion, and hands-on exercises to ensure participants leave with ideas they can realistically implement in their communities.

Registration Details

Attendance is free, but registration is requested as refreshments will be provided. Deadline to register is August 3.

Lunch is on your own or join new acquaintances at a local restaurant.