The idea of providing shoppers with a pleasurable experience offers an opportunity to increase sales in any community. This article describes why entertainment is becoming an important part of the shopping experience, offers ideas for in-store entertainment, entertainment anchors, and opportunities for small communities.
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While there is one drinking establishment in Wisconsin for every 419 residents, sales have stagnated. The following article explores changing consumer preferences, competition, and regulation possibly related to this trend.
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Businesses interested in diversifying their retail sales can used the data from the new UW-EX report to generate ideas for product expansion and diversification in your downtown. The data can also assist individuals with an interest in starting a business and property owners wanting to help market their empty storefronts.
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This article summarizes a new UWEX report that analyzes the number and types of retail establishments in Wisconsin’s cities and villages with populations ranging from 800 to 1,300 (referred to as “tiny towns”).
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Between 1987 and 1992, catalog mail order was the fastest growing single retail industry. It is important to understand the significance of alternative retail approaches and their impact on the competitive environment in communities. This article summaries the trends in this industry segment.
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Clustering occurs when businesses within a particular industry group together in a geographical area. This article looks at the benefits and types of business clusters as well as how to develop a clustering strategy.
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This article summaries twenty-five ideas from Downtown Idea Exchange for filling vacant retail space.
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A niche is a specialization that allows a business district to gain dominance in certain categories of the retail market. Successful communities often have two or three successful niches that are consumer or goods and services oriented. This article looks at developing consumer based niches.
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An assessment of market supply and demand by retail category can be conducted by community leaders to evaluate their community’s retail growth potential. This article provides a step-by-step assessment guide with recommended tools to complete the analysis.
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There are now approximately 400 outlet centers nationwide. Experts predict that the industry will continue to grow through the year 2000 and outpace traditional shopping center growth. This article describes the outlet retail segment, the typical outlet consumer, and its implications for local economic development.
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