Douglas County proposes $150,000, three‑year retail recruitment contract to attract new stores

Douglas County on June 1 proposed a three‑year, $150,000 contract with Retail Strategies LLC to develop a datadriven retail recruitment program targeting unmet demand and retail leakage in unincorporated areas.

Economic development staff said the county lacks specialized retailer analytics and national retailer relationships and that Retail Strategies’ team of recruiters, site selectors and analysts would provide market analysis, trade‑area evaluation, site assessments, a customized recruitment strategy and active outreach to prospective retailers and developers. ‘‘Communities that approach retail recruitment as a short‑term initiative often fail to realize the results,’’ staff said, which is why the recommendation is structured as a multiyear engagement.

Sarah Beth Stewart of Retail Strategies, who attended the meeting, said the firm’s data products are accessible to a range of stakeholders: ‘‘Small businesses should have access to that information as well,’’ she said, describing stakeholder meetings and workshops that will share findings and opportunities with local merchants.

Staff also said the county plans to create a director of business development position effective July 1 to coordinate redevelopment, industrial and retail recruitment work and that the same Retail Strategies team will serve both Douglas County and the City of Douglasville under separate contracts to avoid jurisdictional conflicts while promoting a collaborative approach.

Funding and next steps: administration proposed funding the contract from the unincorporated fund balance and noted that a budget amendment will be required; commissioners requested contract language that allows annual review/renewal and asked staff to hold broad stakeholder outreach and periodic reporting. The board did not finalize the contract at the work session; staff will bring a final document for approval.