BIRMINGHAM, AL (July 11, 2024) – The City of Pine Bluff is excited to announce a new collaboration with 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 & Community Development, focuses on attracting new businesses and revitalizing the local economy.
Retail Strategies will implement a four-phase approach to meet Pine Bluff’s economic development goals:
- Market Analysis – Comprehensive evaluation of the city’s market potential.
- Development of a ‘Results Driven’ Retail & 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.
“We are confident that working with Retail Strategies will bring a new wave of growth and opportunities to our city. 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,” said Mayor Shirley Washington.
“Through our work with retail and restaurant companies, we know that they are eager to open new locations especially in second generation space. Our team is eager to dig into real estate in Pine Bluff to find those spaces,” said Clay Craft, vice president of client services at Retail Strategies. “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.”
